THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 

GIFT  OF 

l-trs.  E.  F     Duconirnun 


Four   Mystery  Plays 


BY 
RUDOLPH  STEINER 


Translated  and  Edited  with  the  Author's  Permission 
by  H.  CoUison,  M.  A.  Oxon.,  S.  M.  K.  Gandell, 
M.  A.  Oxon.,  and  R.  T.  Gladstone,  M.  A.  Cantab. 


The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold 
The  Soul's  Awakening 


G.  P.  Putnam's  Sons 

New  York  and  London 

^be   finlcherbocfter    press 

1920 


Copyright,  1920 

BY 

HARRY  COLLISON 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold        .         ,         i 
The  Soul's  Awakening        ....     135 


THE  GUARDIAN  OF  THE  THRESHOLD 


Vol.  II— I 


SUMMARY  OF  THE   SCENES 

Scene  i:  The  ante-chamber  to  the  rooms  of  the  Mystic 
League.  The  reincarnated  country  folk  have 
been  invited  to  attend  a  meeting  here. 

Scene  2 :  The  same.  Thomasius  is  invited  to  join  the  league 
and  receive  the  blessing  of  the  Rosy  Cross.  He 
declines  on  the  ground  that  he  has  undertaken 
other  work  inconsistent  with  the  objects  of  the 
league. 

Scene  3 :     The  kingdom  of  Lucifer. 
The  challenge: 
Lucifer:  'I  mean  to  fight.' 
Benedictus:  'And  fighting  serve  the  gods. ' 

Scene  4:  The  house  of  Strader  and  his  wife  Theodora. 
(Lucifer  at  work.)  Theodora's  painful  vision  of 
Thomasius. 

Scene  5:  The  house  of  the  Baldes.  Strader's  vision  of  his 
wife  Theodora  who  has  recently  died.  Capesius 
as  a  medium. 

Scene  6 :  The  groves  of  Lucifer  and  Ahriman  and  their  crea- 
tures who  dance.     Dame  Balde's  fable. 

Scene  7 :     The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold. 

Scene  8:  The  kingdom  of  Ahriman.  The  reincarnated 
country  folk  come  here  unconsciously  at  night. 
Strader  comes  consciously. 

Scene  9:  The  home  of  Benedictus,  overlooking  a  factory 
town.     The  law  of  number. 

Scene  10:  The  Temple  of  the  Mystic  League.  The  admission 
of  Thomasius  and  others. 


PERSONS,  APPARITIONS,  AND  EVENTS 

The  spiritual  and  psychic  experiences  of  the  char- 
acters, sketched  in  this  series  of  scenic  pictures  called 
'The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold,'  are  a  continuation  of 
those  which  appeared  before  in  my  life  pictures  called 
'The  Portal  of  Initiation'  and  'The  Soul's  Proba- 
tion,' and  are  supposed  to  take  place  about  fifteen 
years  later  than  the  occurrences  in  'The  Portal  of 
Initiation.' 

The  three  plays  together  form  an  organic  whole. 

In  'The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold*  the  following 
persons  and  beings  appear : 

I.  Representatives  of  the  Element  of  Spirit: 

1.  Benedictus.  Leader  of  the  Temple  of  the  Sun 
and  the  teacher  of  a  number  of  people  who  appear 
in  'The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold.' 

2.  Hilary  True-to-God,  Grand  Master  of  the  Mys- 
tic League,  represented  in  a  former  incarnation 
in  'The  Soul's  Probation'  as  the  Grand  Master  of 
a  Mystic  Brotherhood. 

3.  Johannes  Thomasius,  a.  pupil  of  Benedictus, 
sometimes  called  Johannes  and  sometimes 
Thomasius. 

II.  Representatives  of  the  Element  of  Sacri- 
fice: 

3 


4         Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

4.  Magnus  BelUcosus,  Preceptor  of  the  Mystic 
League,  known  as  Germanus  in  'The  Portal  of 
Initiation. ' 

5.  Alhertus  Torquatus,  Master  of  the  Ceremonies 
in  the  Mystic  League,  known  as  Theodosius  in 
'The  Portal  of  Initiation.' 

6.  Professor  Capesius. 

III.  Representatives  of  the  Element  of  Will: 

7.  Frederick  Trustworthy,  Master  of  the  Cere- 
monies in  the  Mystic  League.  The  Reincarna- 
tion of  the  Second  Master  of  the  Ceremonies  of 
the  Spirit-Brotherhood  in  'The  Soul's  Probation'; 
and  known  as '  Romanus '  in '  The  Portal  of  Initia- 
tion. ' 

8.  Theodora,  sl  Seeress,  in  whom  the  Element  of 
Will  is  changed  into  a  simple  gift  of  prophecy. 

9.  Doctor  Strader. 

IV.  The  Representatives  of  the  Element  of  Soul: 

10.  Maria,  a  pupil  of  Benedictus. 

1 1 .  Felix  Balde. 

12.  Dame  Felicia,  his  wife. 

V.  Beings  from  the  Spirit  World: 

Lucifer. 
Ahriman. 

VI.  Beings  of  the  Element  of  Human  Spirit: 
The  Double  of  Thomasius. 

The  Soul  of  Theodora. 

The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold        5 

Philia  )  the  spiritual  beings  through  whose  agency 
Astrid  /■  the  human  soul  forces  are  connected  with 
Luna    >  the  Cosmos. 

The  Other  Philia,  the  spiritual  being  who  hinders 
the  union  of  the  soul-powers  with  the  Cosmos. 

The  Voice  of  Conscience. 

These  spiritual  beings  are  not  intended  to  be  alle- 
gorical or  symbolic,  but  realities,  who  to  spiritual 
perception  are  exactly  like  physical  persons. 

The  following  persons  are  the  reincarnations  of  the 
twelve  peasants  in  '  The  Soul's  Probation' : 

1.  Ferdinand  Fox. 

2.  Michael  Nobleman. 

3.  Bernard  Straight. 

4.  Francesca  Humble. 

5.  Mary  Steadfast. 

6.  Louisa  Fear-God. 

7.  Frederick  Clear-Mind. 

8.  Gasper  Hotspur. 

9.  George  Candid. 

10.  Mary  Dauntless. 

11.  Erminia  Stay-at-Home. 

12.  Katharine  Counsel. 

In  'The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold'  the  nature  of 
the  reincarnation  is  not  to  be  regarded  as  a  law  hold- 
ing good  generally,  but  as  something  which  can  only 
happen  at  a  turning-point  of  time.  Hence,  for  ex- 
ample, the  incidents  of  Scene  8  between  Strader 
and  the  twelve  others  are  only  possible  at  such  a 
period.     The  spiritual  entities  taking  part  in  this 


6        Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

play  are  by  no  means  to  be  considered  as  merely 
allegory  or  symbol.  For  any  one  who  recognizes  the 
spiritual  world  as  reality,  the  beings  there  exist,  just 
as  much  as  physical  men  in  the  sense-world,  and  as 
such  they  may  be  portrayed.  Spiritual  beings  do  not 
have  human  form,  as  they  are  bound  to  have  upon  the 
stage.  If  the  writer  of  these  psychic  incidents  in  pic- 
tures considered  these  beings  to  be  allegories,  he  would 
not  have  represented  them  in  the  way  he  has  done. 

The  systematic  arrangement  of  the  characters  into 
groups  (3  X  4)  is  not  intentional  or  in  the  original  plan 
of  the  play ;  it  is  a  result — by  way  of  afterthought — of 
the  incidents,  which  are  sketched  out  quite  independ- 
ently, and  fall  naturally  into  such  a  division.  It  would 
never  have  occurred  to  the  author  to  include  it  in  the 
original  plan;  but  it  may  be  permitted  to  cite  it  here 
as  a  result. 

The  scheme  of  stage  decoration  is  in  accordance  with 
the  planetary  signs  shown  in  Dr.  Steiner's  Lecture  on 
Occult  Seals  and  Symbols.  In  Scene  2,  the  walls  and 
furniture,  etc.,  are  decorated  with  Dr.  Steiner's  archi- 
tectural design  for  Jupiter.  Scene  4  is  devoted  to 
Venus.  And  Dr.  Steiner's  symbols  for  the  Sun 
govern  the  little  wooden  hut  and  all  its  appurtenances 
in  Scene  5.  To  the  other  scenes  no  architectural 
design  is  applicable. 

The  costumes  are  as  follows: 

Except  when  officiating  as  Hierophant  Benedictus  is  in  black 
frockcoat  and  trousers.  Hilary,  Bellicosus,  Torquatus,  and  Trust- 
worthy are  in  dark  frockcoats  etc.,  except  when  acting  as  of- 
ficers in  the  Temple  or  as  leaders  in  the  Mystic  League.  Johannes 
is  in  a  dark  blue  velveteen   suit,   short  coat,   breeches,  and 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold        7 

stockings.  Capesius,  when  he  is  in  the  soul,  e.  g.,  in  Scenes  3 
and  6,  appears  quite  young,  beardless,  and  in  flimsy  blue  and 
white  robes;  at  other  times  in  ordinary  modern  attire. 

Theodora,  modem  with  a  coloured  stole.  Strader,  modem, 
short  brown  jacket;  except  in  Scene  4,  where  he  is  in  grey 
lavender. 

Maria,  modern  with  stole. 

Felix  Balde,  a  blue  tunic  trimmed  with  fur. 

Felicia  Balde,  modern  with  stole. 

Lucifer,  flowing  crimson  and  red  robes,  long  golden  hair,  and 
crowned  when  on  his  throne. 

Ahriman  in  yellow  robes. 

The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold,  conventional  angel  with  a 
flaming  sword. 

Philia,  Astrid,  Luna,  and  the  Other  Philia,  flowing  muslin  robes 
of  many  colours,  hut  Astrid  is  in  white. 

The  reincarnated  male  peasants  are  in  frockcoats  of  very 
brilliant  colour,  crimson,  chocolate,  blue,  etc.  The  trousers,  coat 
and  waistcoat  are  always  to  match.  The  women  are  in  modem 
costumes  with  stoles. 

See  also  the  notes  on  the  costumes  in  the  two  preceding  plays. 


THE  GUARDIAN  OF  THE  THRESHOLD 

Scene  i 

A  hall  with  a  ground  tone  of  indigo  blue.  The  ante- 
chamber to  the  rooms  in  which  a  Mystic  League 
carries  on  its  work.  In  the  centre  a  large  door  with 
curtain.  On  each  side  of  the  door  two  pictures 
which  represent,  beginning  from  the  right  of  the  stage, 
the  Prophet  Elijah,  John  the  Baptist,  Raphael,  the 
poet  Novalis.  There  are  present,  in  a  lively  con- 
varsation  twelve  Persons,  who  in  one  way  or  another 
take  an  interest  in  the  activities  of  the  League. 
Beside  them:  Felix  Balde  and  Doctor  Strader. 

Fox: 
A  most  unusual  summons  'tis  indeed, 
That  draws  us  here  together  at  this  time. 
It  comes  from  men,  who  ever  hold  that  they. 
From  all  Earth's  other  children  separate, 
Are  honoured  with  a  special  spirit-aim. 
Their  spirit-eyes  shall  now,  however,  see 
That  in  the  world's  plan  they  must  be  bound  close 
With  men  whose  spirit  is  unconsecrate; 
Who  face  life's  fight  in  their  own  strength  alone. 
I  ne'er  felt  drawn  towards  such  spirit-ways 
As  find  their  chief  resource  in  secrecy, 
And  only  care  to  hold  fast  to  sound  thought, 
And  to  the  commonsense  of  human  minds. 


10       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

This  Spirit-League  by  which  we  now  are  called 

Means  not  through  this  same  call  that  we  should  be 

Initiated  in  its  higher  aims. 

It  will  thro'  mystic  dim  word-portraiture 

Keep  us  but  in  the  Temple's  outer  courts ; 

And  use  our  powers  but  as  the  people's  voice — 

A  cunning  plan  to  strengthen  its  own  will. 

So  shall  we  merely  be  the  helpers  blind 

Of  men  who  from  the  spirit  heights  above, 

Look  down  to  lead  us  on  with  beckoning  hand. 

They  do  not  hold  that  we  are  ready  yet 

Even  to  take  one  step  that  might  lead  on 

Toward  their  holy  Temple's  treasure-house, 

Or  to  the  spirit-light  in  which  they  dwell. 

When  I  observe  the  true  state  of  this  league 

It  seems  I  see  but  pride  and  self-deceit 

Clothed  in  a  prophet's  robe  and  humble  dress. 

And  so  'twere  surely  best  to  shun  each  thing 

That  here  is  offered  us  in  wisdom's  garb; 

That  we  at  any  rate  may  not  appear 

To  strive  without  due  proof  against  the  work 

Which  is  so  highly  prized  by  many  men; 

So  would  I  counsel  you  at  first  to  hear 

What  aim  this  wisdom-teacher  hath  in  view 

And  then  to  follow  simple  commonsense. 

Who  takes  such  sense  as  guide  within  himself 

Will  not  be  led  astray  by  tempting  lures 

Which  from  the  Mystic  Temple  issue  forth. 

Michael  Nobleman: 
1  do  not  know,  I  cannot  even  guess 
With  what  strange  spirit-gift  these  men  are  dowered 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      1 1 

Who  now  desire  to  find  a  bridge  to  us. 
But  still  I  know  well  several  honest  men 
Within  the  ranks  of  this  same  Spirit-League. 
Strictly  they  guard  the  secret  of  the  fount 
Whence  this  their  knowledge  is  supposed  to  come; 
But  that  the  fountain  whence  they  drink  is  good, 
Their  life  and  deeds  make  manifest  to  all. 
And  all  that  from  their  circle  issues  forth 
Bears  on  its  face  the  mark  of  truest  love. 
So  may  we  well  believe  the  aim  is  good 
Which  leads  them  in  this  special  way  to  men, 
To  whom  the  mystic  path  is  strange  and  new, 
But  in  whose  souls  the  instinct  for  the  truth 
And  honest  goals  of  spirit-life  find  place. 

Bernard  Straight: 
Caution  would  seem  to  me  our  duty  now. 
I  think  the  mystics  find  the  time  draws  nigh 
Which  brings  an  ending  to  their  sovereign  power. 
Reason  will  scarcely  ask  in  future  times 
What  dreams  of  truth  these  holy  temples  had. 
If  this  league  tells  of  goals  of  such  a  kind 
As  have  seemed  wise  to  mankind's  general  thought 
Then  it  were  good  to  join  our  lot  to  theirs. 
Yet  he  had  better  shun  the  mystic's  robe 
Who  only  seeks  to  pass  the  portal  by, 
Which,  like  some  barrier  of  heavenly  light. 
Shuts  out  his  present  life  from  other  worlds. 
For  in  that  world  'twill  be  of  small  account 
What  value  each  shall  put  upon  himself. 
No  higher  value  shall  each  one  receive 
Than  universal  judgment  granteth  him. 


12       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Francesca  Humble: 
So  much  that  here  I  needs  must  listen  to 
Sounds  like  the  words  of  those  poor  blinded  men 
Who  cannot  see  the  noble  spirit-light 
Which  streams  from  every  consecrated  shrine 
In  rays  of  wisdom  to  the  outer  world 
To  comfort  and  to  heal  the  souls  of  men. 
He  only  in  whose  heart  this  light  doth  shine, 
And  pierce  with  warming  glow  his  inmost  soul 
Can  recognize  the  true  worth  of  this  hour, 
Which  opens  up  the  mystic's  solemn  realm 
Even  to  those  who  feel  themselves  too  weak 
To  reach,  through  deep  soul  struggle,  to  the  high 
And  consecrate  abodes  of  spirit-light. 

Mary  Steadfast: 
Many  sure  signs  show  plainly  much  must  change 
Within  those  souls  who  strive  to  follow  close 
This  guidance,  in  their  daily  life  on  earth; 
But  little  can  be  said  which  goes  to  prove 
That  mystic  ways  can  lead  on  to  those  ends 
Which  bring  strong  powers  into  the  souls  of  men. 
It  seems  to  me  that  what  our  time  requires 
Is  leaders,  who  by  using  nature's  powers 
Can  join  dexterity  to  genius. 
And  working  thus  amidst  the  things  of  Earth 
Fulfil  their  purpose  in  the  world  of  men. 
Such  men  do  search  for  roots  of  spirit-work 
Deep  in  the  mother-earth  of  truth  itself, 
And  thus  are  kept  from  idle  wandering 
Along  the  path  away  from  human  health. 
Feeling  myself  possessed  with  this  idea 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      13 

I  recognize  in  doctor  Strader's  self 

The  powers  which  for  such  guidance  of  the  soul 

Are  better  suited  than  the  mystics'  are. 

How  long  hath  man  with  sorrow  had  to  feel 

That  thro'  the  great  inventions  of  technique 

Full  many  a  fetter  has  been  riveted 

On  the  free  spirit-instinct  in  his  soul. 

But  now  a  hope  doth  rise  within  the  breast 

Whereof  none  heretofore  can  e'er  have  dreamed. 

In  Strader's  workshops  we  can  see,  in  small, 

The  working  of  those  wonders,  which,  in  great 

Shall  soon  transform  the  meaning  of  technique 

And  free  its  shoulders  from  that  heavy  load 

Which  in  our  day  doth  weigh  on  many  souls. 

Strader: 
Indeed  such  words  as  these  are  full  of  hope 
About  my  seemingly  successful  work. 
'Tis  true  there  yet  remains  the  bridge  to  pass 
Between  experiment  and  actual  use, 
But  still  the  eye  of  science  up  till  now 
Can  only  see  that  it  is  possible 
That  in  technique  the  proof  of  all  things  lies. 
The  author  of  this  work  may  be  allowed 
To  speak  here  freely  of  the  hopes  he  hath 
As  to  the  service  it  may  render  man. 
He  begs  to  be  forgiven  any  words 
That  sound  vainglorious  to  the  general  ear; 
They  only  shadow  forth  the  feelings  whence 
The  strength  for  this  work  flows  into  his  soul. 
We  see  how  in  man's  daily  life  on  earth 
The  workings  of  emotion  and  the  soul 


14       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Disperse  and  lapse  into  a  soulless  state 

The  more  the  spirit  masters  all  the  powers 

That  it  can  find  within  the  realm  of  sense. 

Each  day  the  work  grows  more  mechanical, 

Which  makes  for  worth  in  life ;  and  through  such  work 

Man's  life  itself  becomes  mechanical. 

Most  likely  much  once  held  as  burdensome 

May  now  be  proved  of  service  to  mankind. 

So  that  the  art  and  work  of  cold  technique 

May  no  more  lame  the  soul-life  of  mankind 

Nor  prove  a  hindrance  to  true  spirit-aims. 

But  little  was  achieved  through  all  this  strife 

In  which  one  question  only  seemed  of  weight, 

How  man  should  act  towards  his  fellow-men. 

I  have  myself  spent  many  a  solemn  hour 

In  thinking  out  this  riddle  of  man's  life. 

But  ever  did  I  find  such  thought  produced 

No  fruit  of  any  value  for  real  life. 

I  felt  myself  draw  near  the  bitter  thought 

That  cosmic  fate  hath  foreordained  the  lot 

That  victory  in  this  material  realm 

Must  ever  be  to  spirit-paths  a  foe. 

Release  from  this  bewilderment  of  thought 

Was  brought  me  by  a  seeming  accident. 

It  was  my  lot  to  make  experiments 

In  matters  from  such  questions  far  removed; 

When  suddenly  there  flashed  across  my  mind 

A  thought  which  showed  me  where  the  right  path  lay. 

Test  followed  close  on  test,  until  at  last 

Such  powers  were  gathered  there  in  front  of  me, 

As  in  their  full  expression  shall  some  day 

Through  pure  technique  that  freedom  bring  to  man, 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold       1 5 

In  which  his  soul  may  find  development. 

No  more  shall  men  be  forced  to  dream  away 

Their  whole  existence  plant-like,  fashioning 

In  narrow  factory  rooms  unlovely  things. 

The  powers  of  technique  will  be  so  unveiled 

That  every  man  shall  have  what  he  may  need 

To  keep  him  in  his  work,  in  his  own  home 

Arranged  by  him,  as  he  may  think  it  best. 

I  thought  it  well  to  speak  first  of  this  hope 

So  that  it  may  not  seem  quite  out  of  place 

To  say,  what  I  must  say,  about  this  call 

Which  now  the  Rosicrucian  Brotherhood 

Issues  to  men  who  stand  outside  their  league. 

'Tis  only  when  a  human  soul  unfolds 

And  finds  its  own  true  being  in  itself 

That  those  fine  instincts,  which  from  endless  time 

Draw  spirits  each  to  each,  can  have  full  scope. 

And  therefore,  only  he  will  think  aright 

Who  recognizes  that  this  call  conforms 

To  signs,  which  we  have  learned  to  know  full  well. 

The  brotherhood  in  future  will  bestow 

Its  highest  treasures  freely  on  mankind 

Because  all  men  must  learn  to  long  for  them. 

Felix  Balde: 
The  words  just  spoken  have  been  wrung  from  out 
A  soul,  which  hath  been  given  to  our  times 
To  grace  the  realms  of  sense  with  life's  true  worth. 
And  in  this  field  I  doubt  if  any  one 
With  doctor  Strader  could  compete  today. 
But  I  myself  trod  very  different  paths 
To  find  out  what  is  needful  for  the  soul. 


1 6       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

So  I,  too,  beg  your  leave  to  speak  a  word. 

Fate  hath  made  clear  to  me  that  I  must  search 

Among  those  treasures,  which  disclose  themselves 

To  every  man  within  his  inmost  soul. 

Therein  I  seemed  to  find  true  wisdom's  light 

Which  can  full  well  illuminate  life's  worth. 

The  mystic  pupilship  was  given  me 

In  solitude  and  contemplation  deep. 

And  thus  I  learned  that  all  that  makes  man  lord 

Of  this  strong  realm  of  sense,  doth  only  serve 

To  blind  his  being,  and  condemn  mankind 

To  search  in  darkness  for  the  way  of  life. 

Aye,  e'en  those  gems  of  knowledge  which  the  use 

Of  reason  and  of  sense  hath  found  on  earth, 

Are  but  faint  gropings  in  a  darkened  realm. 

I  know  it  is  the  mystic  way  alone 

That  can  direct  our  steps  to  life's  true  light. 

Myself  I  stood  upon  that  path  of  truth 

As  one  who  strives  without  a  helping  hand; 

But  all  men  cannot  struggle  thus  alone. 

The  knowledge  gained  by  sense  and  intellect 

Seems  like  a  body  left  without  a  soul 

When  it  doth  set  itself  defiantly 

Against  the  light  that  since  Earth's  dawn  hath  streamed 

From  sacred  temples  of  true  mystery. 

Ye  therefore  ought  in  gratitude  to  grasp 

The  hand  that  beckons  from  the  Temple  now 

Upon  whose  threshold  roses  full  of  light 

Girdle  significant  the  sign  of  death. 

Louisa  Fear-God: 
A  man  who  feels  the  worth  of  his  own  sotil 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      17 

Can  but  rely  upon  his  own  ideas, 

If  he  desire  to  know  the  spirit-worlds 

And  find  himself  therein  in  very  truth. 

Whoe'er  can  give  himself,  with  blindfold  faith. 

To  outside  guidance,  first  must  lose  himself. 

Aye,  e'en  that  light,  which  deep  within  himself 

A  man  may  feel  as  highest  wisdom's  power 

Claims  spirit-recognition  only  when 

Its  truth  admits  of  proof  within  itself. 

This  light  may  be  a  danger  to  a  man 

If  he  draws  near  thereto  without  such  proof. 

For  often  on  this  path  the  soul  appears 

But  as  some  picture,  drawn  from  cosmic  depths, 

Springing  from  out  its  own  unconscious  wish. 

Frederick  Clear-Mind: 

Fully  to  understand  the  mystic  way 

Each  man  must  trace  its  impulse  in  himself. 

Who,  ere  he  enters  on  the  search,  doth  form 

In  his  own  soul  a  picture  of  the  goal. 

Whereto  that  search  must  lead,  is  sure  to  find 

Instead  of  truth,  delusion's  fantasy. 

For,  we  may  say,  that  each  true  mystic  should 

Thus  hold  himself  toward  the  goal  of  truth 

As  one  who  from  a  mountain-top  would  gaze 

Upon  the  beauty  of  a  distant  view. 

He  waits  till  he  has  gained  the  utmost  height 

Before  he  tries  to  picture  all  the  scene 

Whereto  his  pilgrimage  hath  guided  him. 

Fox: 
At  such  a  time  as  this  we  should  not  ask 
How  men  should  hold  themselves  toward  the  truth. 

Vol.  II— 2 


1 8       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

The  brethren  of  the  league  will  not  require 

To  hear  about  such  things  from  men  like  us. 

It  hath  indeed  already  reached  mine  ears 

That  an  occurrence  of  a  special  sort 

Hath  forced  the  league  to  turn  and  think  of  us. 

Thomasius,  who  came  some  years  ago 

Beneath  the  influence  of  a  spirit-stream, 

Which  set  itself  to  follow  mystic  aims, 

Hath  learned  just  how  to  use  such  forms  of  thought 

As  in  our  time  compel  men's  confidence, 

And  hang  them,  as  a  mantle,  round  that  lore 

Which  should  be  sacred  to  initiates. 

In  this  way  he  was  able  to  succeed, 

And  gain  approval  from  both  far  and  near 

For  writings  which  had  borrowed  logic's  garb 

But  which,  in  fact,  contained  but  mystic  dreams. 

Even  inquirers  of  acknowledged  worth 

Are  with  the  message  of  the  man  inspired 

And  so  lend  colour  to  his  present  fame. 

Which  grows,  I  fear,  in  dangerous  degree. 

Initiates  did  dread  this  line  of  thought 

Since  it  must  needs  destroy  their  fixed  idea 

That  wisdom  is  their  sole  prerogative. 

And  so  they  try  to  shelter  'neath  their  wing 

That  which  Thomasius  is  giving  forth. 

Indeed,  they  wish  it  to  appear  as  if 

They  knew  already  in  the  years  gone  by 

That  such  a  message  would  just  now  be  sent 

To  serve  in  building  up  their  own  great  work. 

If  they  succeed  now  at  this  present  time 

In  drawing  us  with  craft  into  their  net. 

They  will  make  clear  unto  the  world  at  large 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      19 

That  powers  of  destiny  did  wisely  send 
Thomasius  with  his  message  at  this  time 
So  that  belief  in  their  significance 
Might  with  the  commonsense  of  man  combine. 

Gasper  Hotspur: 
This  Mystic  League  is  bold  to  make  the  claim 
That  it  alone  must  ever  guide  mankind : 
It  proves  thereby  what  small  account  it  takes 
Of  all  that  can  be  won  for  man's  true  weal 
Just  by  sound  commonsense,  for  we  may  say 
That  'tis  now  proved  that  nature  and  the  soul 
Can  be  explained  as  things  mechanical. 
And  'tis  indeed  a  check  to  all  free  thought 
That  doctor  Strader  with  so  clear  a  brain, 
Should  countenance  this  mystic  fallacy. 
Who  thus  doth  master  powers  mechanical 
Should  not  indeed  lack  insight,  and  we  know 
That  ere  we  gain  true  knowledge  of  the  soul 
All  mystic  leanings  needs  must  be  destroyed. 
Yet  this  false  science,  which  Thomasius 
Is  giving  forth  today  to  all  the  world, 
Enables  e'en  extreme  sagacity 
To  reconcile  itself  with  wildest  dreams, 
When  once  it  falls  a  victim  to  that  snare. 
If  through  strict  training  in  the  way  of  thought, 
Most  natural  to  man,  Thomasius 
Had  for  this  work  of  his  prepared  himself, 
Instead  of  studying  the  mystic  art, 
He  might  have  plucked  full  many  a  noble  fruit 
From  wisdom's  tree  through  his  own  inborn  gifts. 
Instead  of  which  upon  the  way  he  chose 


20       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Naught  but  disastrous  error  could  occur. 
No  doubt  the  brotherhood  may  like  to  think 
Such  error  can  be  turned  to  their  account. 
It  finds  acceptance,  since  it  seeks  to  show 
That  science  now  hath  giv'n  souls  strong  proof 
Of  knowledge  only  found  in  dreams  before. 

George  Candid: 
That  it  is  possible  to  speak  such  words 
As  we  have  just  been  forced  with  pain  to  hear, 
Shows  clearly  how  that  insight  which  flows  forth 
From  spirit-life  hath  scarce  indeed  begun 
To  grow  at  all  'midst  all  our  modern  thoughts. 
Turn  your  eyes  backward  o'er  the  flight  of  time 
And  see  what  things  lived  in  the  souls  of  men 
Before  the  science  which  is  now  in  flower 
Was  even  able  to  reveal  its  seed. 
Then  you  will  find  that  this  same  Mystic  League 
Doth  but  today  fulfil  a  work  which  then 
Was  traced  beforehand  in  the  cosmic  scheme. 
We  had  to  wait  until  Thomasius 
Had  finished  this  great  work  he  had  in  hand. 
The  way  is  new  by  which  the  spirit-light 
Illuminates  through  him  the  souls  of  men. 
And  yet  this  light  did  ever  work  in  all 
That  men  have  dared  to  make  upon  the  Earth. 
But  where,  then,  was  the  source  of  all  this  light 
Which,  tho'  souls  knew  it  not,  could  shine  so  clear? 
We  find  all  signs  point  to  the  mystic  art, 
Which  dwelt  in  secret  consecrated  shrines, 
Before  mankind  let  reason  be  its  guide. 
The  Spirit  League  which  now  hath  called  us  here 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      21 

Will  gladly  let  the  mystic  light  stream  forth 
On  that  bold  work,  which  out  of  human  thought 
Strives  to  perfection  in  the  spirit-world. 
And  we,  who,  in  this  hour  so  big  with  fate, 
May  stay  awhile  on  consecrated  ground, 
Shall  be  the  first  who,  uninitiate, 
Shall  see  the  torch  of  God  from  spirit-heights 
Leap  down  into  the  depths  of  human  souls. 

Mary  Dauntless: 
Thomasius,  indeed,  needs  not  the  shield, 
The  Rose-Cross  Brothers  have  in  mind  for  him, 
If  in  an  earnest  scientific  way 
He  can  portray  the  pathway  of  the  soul 
Through  many  earthly  lives  and  spirit-realms. 
This  work  hath  now  revealed  the  light  on  high, 
To  which  they  say  the  mystic  temples  lead. 
E'en  unto  men  who  erstwhile  had  to  shun 
The  very  threshold  of  such  sacred  shrines. 
Such  recognition  doth  he  well  deserve 
As  he  already  hath  so  richly  found 
Because  he  gave  that  freedom  unto  thought, 
Which  was  denied  it  by  the  mystic  schools. 

Erminia  Stay -at- Home: 
The  Rose-Cross  Brothers  can  in  future  live 
But  in  the  recollection  of  mankind. 
That  which  they  call  for,  at  this  very  time 
Will  soon  gain  consciousness  of  its  own  power 
And  undermine  the  Temple's  fundaments. 
They  boldly  wish  to  join  in  future  days 
Reason  and  science  to  their  sacred  shrine. 
Thomasius,  therefore,  whom  so  willingly 


22       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

They  now  admit  into  their  Temple's  midst 
Will  count  hereafter  as  their  conqueror. 

Strader: 
I  have  been  sorely  blamed  because  I  think 
That  he  acts  well,  who  holds  himself  prepared 
To  further,  in  close  union  with  the  league, 
The  work  which  through  Thomasius  is  fulfilled. 
One  speaker  took  objection  to  my  views 
And  held  I  ought  to  know  how  dangerous 
The  mystic's  true  soul-searching  may  become. 
I  often  felt  I  best  could  understand 
The  spirit-way  when  I  gave  up  myself 
Completely  to  the  influence  binding  me 
To  mechanisms  which  I  made  myself. 
The  way  in  which  I  stood  toward  my  works 
Hath  shown  the  meaning  of  the  sacred  shrine. 
And  while  I  was  at  work,  I  often  thought: 
'  How  do  I  seem  to  one  who  only  tries 
To  understand  the  working  of  those  powers 
Which  I  put  into  things  mechanical  ? 
And  yet  what  might  I  be  unto  a  soul 
To  whom  I  might  reveal  myself  in  love?' 
I  have  to  thank  such  thoughts  as  these  that  now 
The  learning  which  from  mystic  circles  springs 
Reveals  itself  to  me  in  its  true  light. 
And  so,  though  not  initiate,  I  know 
That  souls  of  gods  can  in  the  sacred  shrine 
Reveal  themselves  in  love  to  human  souls. 

Katharine  Counsel: 
The  noble  words  which  doctor  Strader  speaks 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      23 

About  the  sacred  shrines  must  surely  find 
An  echo  in  those  souls  which  stand  without 
The  gates  through  which  initiates  may  pass, 
But  yet  are  counted  worthy  to  receive 
The  lore  initiates  do  strive  to  teach : 
It  is  not  difficult  to  understand 
Why  our  forefathers  held  to  the  belief 
That  mystics  were  the  enemies  of  light. 
It  even  was  denied  their  souls  to  guess 
What  hidden  secrets  lay  within  the  shrine. 
All  this  is  changed  today.     The  Mystic  Light 
Is  not  entirely  hid,  but  tells  the  world 
As  much  as  uninitiate  folk  may  know. 
And  many  souls,  who  have  received  this  light 
And  been  revived  thereby,  have  felt  forthwith 
A  rousing  up  of  soul-powers,  which  before 
Worked  in  them,  as  in  sleep,  unconsciously. 
{Three  knocks  are  heard.) 

Felix  Balde: 
The  owners  of  this  place  will  soon  approach 
And  ye  will  hear  what  they  desire  to  say. 
But  if  ye  wish  to  understand  their  words 
And  to  receive  through  them  the  light  yourselves 
Ye  must  not  by  pre-judgment  blind  yourselves. 
The  power  of  the  initiates  will  now 
Prove  itself  mighty,  wheresoe'er  it  finds 
Good  hearts  and  wills  prepared  to  offer  up 
Erroneous  fancies  to  the  light  of  truth ; 
But  where  the  will  hath  grown  through  error  hard 
And  thus  hath  slain  the  sense  of  truth  itself, 
This  power  will  there  be  proved  of  none  effect. 


24       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Fox: 

Such  words  as  these  might  be  of  use  to  one 
Who  through  self -contemplation  did  desire 
To  find  himself  within  his  inmost  soul. 
But  at  the  first  appearance  of  this  league 
'Twere  better  to  hold  fast  to  those  reports 
About  this  kind  of  spirit-brotherhood, 
Which  may  be  credited  historically. 
From  them  we  see  that  very  many  men 
Have  been  enticed  into  the  holy  shrine 
By  secret  words,  which  led  them  to  believe 
That  in  these  temples,  step  by  step,  the  soul 
Could  from  the  lowliest  grades  of  wisdom  rise 
Up  to  the  heights  where  spirit-sight  is  gained. 
Who  followed  such  inducement  soon  perceived 
That  in  the  lower  grades  he  could  see  signs 
Whose  purport  offered  him  much  food  for  thought. 
He  dared  to  hope  that  in  the  higher  grades 
The  meaning  of  these  signs  would  be  disclosed. 
And  wisdom  be  revealed :  but  when  he  reached 
Those  higher  grades  himself,  he  found  instead 
That  masters  knew  but  little  of  those  signs 
And  did  but  speak  about  the  world  and  life — 
Nothing  but  meaningless  and  barren  words. 
If  he  was  not  deceived  by  these  same  words 
Nor  yet  was  tricked  by  their  futility. 
He  turned  himself  away  from  such  pursuits. 
And  so  at  this  time  'tis  perhaps  of  use 
To  listen  to  the  judgment  of  the  past 
As  well  as  unto  edifying  speech. 

{Again  three  knocks  are  heard.) 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      25 

{The  curtain  is  drawn  back,  and  there  enter  the 
Grand  Master  of  the  Mystic  League,  Hilary 
True-to-God;  after  him,  Magnus  Bellicosus, 
the  Second  Preceptor;  Alhertus  Torquatus, 
the  First  Master  of  the  Ceremonies;  and 
Frederick  Trustworthy,  the  Second  Master  of 
the  Ceremonies.  The  persons  who  were 
before  assembled  group  themselves  on  each 
side  of  the  hall.) 

Frederick  Trustworthy: 
Dear  friends,  this  moment,  when  we  join  us  first 
At  this  our  temple's  ancient  holy  gates 
Is  most  significant  for  you  and  us. 
The  call  which  we  have  given  to  you  now 
Was  strongly  laid  upon  us  by  the  signs 
Which  our  Grand  Master  could  discern  full  well 
In  the  wise  plan  of  earth's  development. 
There  it  is  very  plainly  shadowed  forth 
That  at  this  time  the  service  wise  and  true 
Of  this  our  sacred  Temple  must  unite 
With  universal  commonsense  of  man, 
Which  seeks  for  truth  far  off  from  mystic  paths. 
Yet  in  the  plan  were  also  signs  to  show 
That  ere  this  consummation  could  be  reached, 
A  man  must  first  arise  who  understood 
How  to  bring  knowledge,  built  on  commonsense 
And  reason  only,  into  such  a  form 
As  truly  to  comprise  the  spirit- world ; 
This  now  hath  happened.     To  Thomasius 
The  lot  has  fallen  to  produce  a  work 
Based  on  that  very  science,  which  today 


26       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

All  men  demand.     This  work  in  their  own  tongue 

Doth  bring  full  proof  of  spirit- worth,  which  men 

Could  only  find  in  mystic  paths  before, 

And  in  the  temples  of  initiates. 

This  work  will  now  become  the  fetter  firm 

That  you  with  us  unites  in  spirit-life ; 

Through  it  will  ye  be  able  to  discern 

How  firm  the  base  on  which  our  teaching  rests. 

And  through  it,  too,  ye  will  receive  the  power 

To  take  from  us  that  knowledge  with  free  will 

Which  is  confined  to  mystic  paths  alone 

And  so,  in  living  fruitfulness,  that  Life 

Can  now  unfold  itself,  which  doth  unite 

The  universal  commonsense  of  man 

With  all  the  customs  of  the  sacred  shrine. 

Magnus  Bellicosus: 
Our  brother's  words  have  made  it  clear  to  you, 
That  we  have  been  induced  by  solemn  signs 
To  call  you  to  the  Threshold  of  our  Shrine. 
The  Master  soon  will  speak  to  you  and  show 
The  deeper  reasons  for  thus  calling  you. 
But  first  I  must,  so  far  as  may  be  meet. 
Tell  you  of  this  great  man,  whose  work  hath  made 
Our  present  union  possible  today. 
Thomasius  gave  himself  to  painting's  art 
Until  he  felt  an  inward  spirit-call 
To  take  up  science  as  his  work  in  life. 
His  gifts  which  were  so  great  and  so  unique 
Within  the  region  of  the  painter's  art, 
Were  first  developed  when  he  passed  within 
The  spheres  devoted  to  true  mystic  lore, 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      27 

These  led  him  to  the  Master,  and,  through  him, 
He  learnt  the  first  steps  in  that  world  of  truth 
Where  wisdom  teaches  spiritual  sight. 
Upborne  to  spirit-heights  and  thus  infilled 
With  great  creative  power,  he  painted  then 
Pictures,  which  seem  indeed  like  living  men. 
That  which  would  soon  have  driven  other  men 
To  strive  amain  toward  the  highest  goal 
Upon  the  beaten  track  of  art — all  this 
Was  but  a  fresh  incentive  to  his  brain 
To  use  hard-won  success  in  such  a  way 
As  might  prove  best  for  welfare  of  mankind. 
He  saw  full  well  that  spirit-science  must 
First  find  a  firm  foundation,  and  for  this 
The  sense  for  science  and  strict  reasoning 
Must  be  released  from  mania  for  set  form 
Through  contact  with  an  artist  mind,  and  gain 
The  inward  strength  to  realize  the  truth 
Of  world-relationship  in  life  and  deed. 
And  so  Thomasius  hath  offered  up, 
A  willing  off'ring  to  humanity, 
The  artist-power,  he  might  have  used  himself. 
O  friends,  read  ye  aright  this  man's  true  soul 
And  understand  the  call  which  now  we  give 
And  hesitate  no  more  to  follow  it. 

Hilary  True-to-God: 
In  that  same  Spirit's  Name,  which  is  revealed 
To  souls  within  our  sacred  shrine,  we  come 
To  men  who  until  now  might  never  hear 
The  word  which  here  doth  secretly  sound  forth. 
Those  Powers  which  guide  the  purpose  of  our  Earth 


28       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Could  not  in  its  beginning  be  revealed 

To  all  humanity  in  their  full  light. 

As  in  the  body  of  a  child,  the  powers 

Through  which  it  learns  to  act  and  use  its  mind, 

Must  gradually  ripen,  and  grow  strong; 

So  must  humanity  unfold  itself 

As  one  great  whole  throughout  its  earthly  course. 

The  impulse  in  the  soul  which  later  on 

Might  worthy  prove  to  gaze  on  spirit-light 

In  higher  worlds,  first  lived  in  atrophy. 

Yet  in  the  Earth's  beginning  there  were  sent 

From  out  the  higher  kingdoms  of  real  life 

Exalted  spirit-beings,  who  might  act 

As  wise  instructoTS  of  humanity. 

In  mystic  holy  shrines  did  they  employ 

Those  mighty  spirit  powers,  which  were  poured  forth 

In  secret  into  souls  which  could  know  nought 

Of  their  exalted  leaders  or  their  work. 

Then  later  from  the  ranks  of  men  themselves 

These  masters  wise  could  choose  for  pupils  those 

Who  by  v/ell-tested  lives  of  self-denial 

Had  proved  that  they  were  ripe  to  be  ordained 

Into  the  mystic  aims  and  wisdom's  lore. 

And  when  the  pupils  of  those  early  seers 

Could  guard  in  worthy  way  the  good  and  true, 

Then  those  sublime  instructors  turned  their  steps 

Back  to  their  own  especial  realms  of  life. 

These  pupils  of  the  gods  then  chose  out  men 

Who  might  succeed  them  in  the  guardianship 

Of  spirit-treasures;  and  in  such  a  way 

The  treasures  were  passed  on  from  age  to  age. 

Until  the  present  time  all  mystic  schools, 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      29 

If  they  are  such  in  truth,  have  really  sprung 

From  that  which  first  was  founded  from  on  high. 

Htimbly  we  cherish  in  this  very  place 

That  which  our  fathers  handed  down  to  us. 

We  do  not  ever  speak  about  the  dues, 

Which  through  our  office  we  inherited, 

But  only  of  the  favour  shown  to  us 

By  those  great  spirit-powers,  who  chose  weak  men 

As  mediators,  and  entrusted  them 

With  treasures  which  bring  forth  the  spirit-light 

In  souls  of  men:  and  'tis  our  lot,  dear  friends. 

To  open  to  you  now  this  treasured  store. 

For  signs  which  in  the  plan  of  all  the  worlds 

Can  clearly  be  discerned  by  spirit-eyes 

Show  most  propitious  at  this  very  time. 

Fox: 

From  distant  worlds,  it  seems,  the  reasons  come 

Which  should  convince  us  that  'twere  meet  that  we 

Should  join  ourselves  to  you,  and  in  this  way 

Should  be  the  first  to  give  the  impetus 

To  this  great  work  Thomasius  gives  the  world. 

However  grand  what  thou  hast  spoken  sounds, 

It  cannot  drown  in  hearts  of  homely  men 

The  thought  that  such  a  work  will  take  effect 

Through  its  own  power,  if  it  should  prove  to  hold 

Within  itself  what  souls  of  men  require. 

If  this  work  prove  important,  it  will  be, 

Not  through  the  things  the  mystics  offer  us, 

But  since  true  science  comes  to  the  support 

Of  spirit-knowledge,  and  doth  prove  it  true. 

If  this  be  really  so,  what  use  is  there, 


30       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

If  mystic  approbation  paves  the  way, 
And  not  th'  intrinsic  merit  of  the  work? 

Alhertus  Torquatus: 
The  science  which  is  opening  on  the  world 
From  such  foundations  as  Thomasius  laid 
Will  neither  gain  nor  lose  through  such  applause 
As  we  or  ye  may  choose  to  render  it. 
And  yet  thereby  a  way  can  now  be  found 
By  which  mankind  may  study  mystic  lore. 
It  would  accomplish  only  half  its  work 
If  it  should  show  the  goal,  but  not  the  road. 
And  now  it  rests  with  you  to  understand 
That  now  at  last  the  moment  hath  arrived 
For  reason  and  the  mystic  path  to  join; 
And  to  the  spirit-Hfe  of  this  our  world 
To  give  thereby  the  power  which  can  but  work 
When  it  reveals  itself  in  season  due. 

Curtain 


Scene  2 

The  same.  The  persons  who  were  at  first  assembled  have 
left,  with  the  exception  of  Felix  Balde  and  Dr. 
Strader,  who  remain  with  Hilary  True-to-God,  the 
Grand  Master;  Magnus  Bellicosus,  the  Second 
Preceptor;  Albertus  Torquatus,  the  First  Master  of 
the  Ceremonies;  Frederick  Trustworthy,  the  Second 
Master  of  the  Ceremonies;  Maria;  and  Johannes 
Thomasius. 

Hilary: 
My  son,  what  thou  hast  perfected  must  now 
Within  this  holy  place  receive  the  seal, 
Which  sacred  and  primeval  knowledge  gives, 
Besides  the  blessing  of  the  Rosy  Cross. 
What  thou  hast  brought  the  world  must  be  through  us 
Unto  the  Spirit  offered,  that  it  may 
Bear  fruit  in  all  the  worlds,  where  power  of  man 
Can  be  made  use  of  for  world-fashioning. 

Bellicosus: 
That  thou  might 'st  give  unto  the  world  this  work 
Thou  had'st  to  part  for  many  years  with  much 
That  in  thine  inmost  soul  thou  loved'st  best. 
There  stood  a  spirit-teacher  at  thy  side. 
Who  went  from  thee,  so  that  thy  human  soul 
Might  perfectly  unfold  its  powers  in  thee. 

31 


32       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Thou  wast  in  closest  touch  with  one  dear  friend; 

She  also  left  thee,  for  thou  had'st  to  learn 

That  which  men  only  learn  when  they  are  set 

To  follow  out  their  soul's  powers  in  themselves. 

With  courage  hast  thou  passed  through  this  ordeal. 

That  which  was  taken  from  thee  for  thy  good 

Is,  for  thy  good,  restored  to  thee  anew. 

Thy  friend  stands  here  before  thee :  in  the  shrine 

She  waits  for  thee  to  follow  out  our  wish. 

Soon,  thou  wilt  meet  thy  teacher  once  again. 

These  friends,  who  on  our  temple's  threshold  stand, 

Desire  to  join  with  us  in  greeting  thee. 

As  one  who  brings  great  knowledge  here  with  him. 

Felix  Balde  {to  Thomasius) : 
The  mystic  art  which  heretofore  aspired 
Through  inward  contemplation  toward  the  light, 
Will  through  thine  act  be  able  now  to  work 
Through  knowledge  gained  within  the  world  of  sense. 

Strader  {to  Thomasius) : 
Those  souls  who  after  spirit-knowled  ;e  strive 
While  life  still  unto  matter  binds  them  fast. 
Will  now  through  thee  find  out  a  road  by  which 
They  can  attain  the  light  in  their  own  way. 

Thomasius: 
Exalted  Master,  and  ye,  honoured  sirs! 
Ye  think  to  see  before  you  now  a  man 
Who,  through  the  Spirit's  power  and  earnest  strife, 
Was  able  to  produce  the  work  you  praise 
And  can  acknowledge  with  your  fostering  care. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      33 

Ye  think  that  he  will  certainly  succeed 

In  reconciling  science  of  today 

With  ever-ancient  sacred  mystic  art. 

And  truly  were  there  anything  besides 

The  voice  of  mine  own  soul,  which  could  instil 

Belief  about  it  into  me,  I  think 

It  well  might  be  your  words.   .    .    . 

Trustworthy: 

The  Master's  word 
Doth  but  express  that  which  without  a  doubt 
Thou  feelest  in  thy  soul.     There  is  no  need 
To  strengthen  what  thine  inner  voice  declares. 

Thomasius: 
Ah !  were  it  so,  most  humbly  would  I  stand 
Before  you  and  implore  that  I  might  gain 
The  temple's  blessing  on  this  work  of  mine. 
I  used  to  think  it  so,  when  first  I  heard 
The  word  by  which  I  came  to  understand 
That  ye  would  take  my  work  beneath  your  care 
And  open  gateways  to  me,  which  before 
Only  initiates  could  e'er  approach. 
But  as  I  trod  the  path  that  led  to  you 
There  opened  out  upon  my  soul  a  world 
To  which,  at  such  a  time  ye  certainly 
Would  not  have  wished  to  lead  me.     Ahriman 
In  all  his  greatness  stood  before  me  there. 
And  then  I  saw  that  he  it  is  in  truth 
Who  is  the  expert  in  real  cosmic  laws. 
What  human  beings  think  they  know  of  him 
Is  of  no  value.     Only  he  can  know 

Vol.  II— 3 


34       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Who  once  hath  seen  him  in  the  spirit-world. 

It  was  from  him  alone  that  I  could  learn 

The  truth  about  this  work  of  mine  in  full. 

He  showed  how  in  the  progress  of  the  world 

One  could  not  judge  effects  of  such  a  work; 

Since  its  true  progress  cannot  be  appraised 

By  those  impressions  men  may  form  of  it 

Who  judge  by  science  and  strict  logic's  law. 

The  final  verdict  cannot  be  pronounced 

Till  creature  from  creator  is  set  free, 

And,  freed  from  him,  can  follow  its  own  path 

Throughout  the  courses  of  the  spirit-life. 

Yet  now  the  work  is  so  bound  up  with  me 

That  it  is  possible  that  I  might  turn 

That  which  I  guide  back  from  the  spirit-reakns 

To  something  evil,  even  though  it  were 

Good  in  itself  and  in  its  working  power. 

I  must  myself  from  out  the  spirit-world 

Send  forth  afar  my  influence  on  all 

Which  shows  itself  on  Earth  as  the  result 

Of    that    which    I    have    brought    forth    from    my 

mind. 
And  if  I  should  let  evil  issue  forth 
From  out  the  spirit-world,  through  these  results, 
Then  would  the  truth  do  damage  greater  far 
Than  error,  for  men  follow  after  truth 
According  to  their  insight,  error  not. 
I  shall  for  certain  at  some  future  time 
Turn  the  results  of  this  my  act  to  ill 
For  Ahriman  hath  clearly  shewn  to  me 
That  these  results  must  all  belong  to  him. 
While  I  was  at  my  work,  and  filled  with  joy 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      35 

That  it  should  lead  me  with  such  certain  tread 
Step  after  step,  up  truth's  great  pyramid, 
I  only  noticed  in  my  soul  that  part 
Which  lent  itself  to  help  me  in  my  search ; 
And  all  the  rest  I  left  without  a  guard. 
All  those  wild  impulses,  which  formerly 
Were  but  in  bud,  could  now  in  quietude 
Bloom  forth  and  ripen  into  full  grown  fruits, 
I  thought  I  dwelt  in  highest  spirit-realms, 
But  was  in  truth  in  deepest  night  of  soul. 
It  was  the  strength  of  these  same  impulses 
Which  showed  me  clearly  Ahriman's  own  realm. 
And  so  I  know  the  effect  that  I  shall  have, 
For  in  the  future  all  these  impulses 
Will  go  to  form  my  personality. 
Before  I  took  this  work  in  hand,  I  gave 
Myself  to  Lucifer,  because  I  wished 
To  learn  to  know  and  understand  his  realm. 
Now  know  I,  what  I  could  not  see  before 
When  I  was  lost  entirely  in  my  work, 
That  he  it  was  who  wove  around  my  thought 
Those  beauteous  pictures,  which  within  my  soul 
Brought  forth  wild  impulses,  which  silent  now 
Will  surely  one  day  gain  control  of  me. 

Trustworthy: 
How  can  one  who  hath  reached  such  spirit-heights 
And  knows  all  this  for  certain,  yet  believe 
That  he  hath  no  escape  from  evil  left? 
Why,  thou  canst  see  where  danger  for  thee  lies; 
And  so  canst  crush  it,  and  with  courage  save 
Thyself,  and  the  results  of  thy  great  work : 


36       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

A  spirit-pupil  is  in  duty  bound 

To  kill  what  hinders  progress  in  himself. 

Thomasius: 
I  see,  thou  judgest  not  by  cosmic  laws, 
I  could  e'en  now  fulfil  what  thou  dost  wish 
And  I  myself  could  quite  well  tell  myself 
In  this  same  hour  all  that  thou  tellest  me. 
But  that  which  Karma  now  doth  let  me  do 
Will  not  in  future  be  permissible. 
For  things  must  come  which  will  o'ershadow  me 
And  darken  all  my  spirit,  till  I  turn 
To  that  which  I  described  to  thee  just  now. 
Then  as  the  world  progresses  I  will  seize 
With  greed  on  anything  that's  in  my  work 
Which  can  be  used  for  harm,  and  all  of  this 
I  will  embody  in  my  spirit-life. 
Then  I  shall  have  to  love  great  Ahriman 
And  joyfully  to  his  possession  give 
All  that  I  have  derived  from  earthly  life. 

{Pause,    during    which    Thomasius    meditates 
deeply.) 
If  all  alone  I  could  encounter  this, 
And  bear  it  also  in  my  soul  alone, 
I  could  await  with  fullest  peace  of  mind 
All  that  was  destined  for  me  on  my  way. 
But  it  will  harm  your  league  as  much  as  me. 
Whatever  bad  shall  follow  from  my  work 
Both  for  myself  and  other  souls  of  men. 
Will  find  its  balance  through  just  Karma's  law. 
The  fact  that  ye  fell  victims  to  this  fault 
Makes  it  far  harder  for  the  life  of  earth, 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      37 

Since  ye  are  leaders  in  this  self -same  life 

And  ought  to  read  the  spirit-worlds  aright. 

Ye  ought  not  to  have  failed  to  notice  then 

That  it  was  someone  else,  and  not  myself 

Who  should  have  had  the  doing  of  this  work. 

Ye  should  have  known  it  must  be  put  aside 

For  now;  and  later  would  appear  again 

Through  one  who  otherwise  would  guide  its  course. 

So  by  your  judgment,  ye  deprive  the  league 

Of  rights  it  ought  to  have,  if  it  would  still 

Direct  the  service  of  the  Sacred  Place. 

Because  this  fate  for  you  was  shown  to  me 

I  now  appear  upon  your  threshold  here. 

Knowledge  would  otherwise  have  kept  me  far, 

For  truly  I  can  claim  no  blessing  now 

Upon  this  work,  which  does  both  good  and  harm. 

Hilary: 
Dear  brethren,  that  which  we  have  just  begun. 
Cannot  be  carried  any  further  now. 
We  must  betake  ourselves  unto  the  Place 
From  whence  the  Spirit  can  make  known  His  will. 

{Hilary  leaves  the  hall  with  Bellicosus,  Tor- 
quatus,  and  Trustworthy.  Doctor  Strader 
and  Felix  Balde  also  leave.  Only  Maria  and 
Thomasius  are  left.) 

{The  hall  grows  dark.  After  a  short  pause  the 
three  Spirit-forms  Philia,  Astrid,  and  Luna 
appear  in  a  cloud  of  light,  and  group  them- 
selves so  that  they  completely  hide  Maria. 
The  following  is  a  spirit-experience  of 
Thomasius.) 


38       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Philia: 
The  soul  is  athirst 
To  drink  of  the  Hght 
Which  flows  from  the  worlds, 
An  all-caring  will 
Hides  close  from  mankind. 
But  eagerly  seeks 
The  spirit  to  hear 
The  language  divine 
Which  wisdom  in  love 
Doth  hide  from  the  heart. 
For  danger  surrounds 
The  thoughts  that  would  search 
In  realms  of  the  soul, 
Where  secret  things  rule 
The  senses  from  far. 


Astrid: 
Yet  souls  are  enlarged. 
Which  follow  the  light 
And  work  through  the  worlds 
Which  bold  spirit-sight 
Reveals  to  mankind. 
The  spirit  doth  strive 
Enraptured  to  live 
In  realms  of  the  gods 
Which  wisdom  benign 
Makes  known  to  the  seer. 
There  mysteries  beckon 
The  bold  keen  desire 
To  win  those  new  worlds 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      39 

Which  far  from  man's  thought 
Deep  secrets  conceal. 


Luna: 
It  ripens  the  soul 
To  picture  the  sight 
Whence  powers  will  spring  forth 
Which  will,  reft  of  fear, 
Doth  kindle  in  man. 
The  ransoming  powers 
From  primeval  depths 
Bring  magical  might 
That  sense  cannot  know, 
Close  barriered  in  earth. 
And  traces  are  there 
That  each  searching  soul 
May  find  out  the  gate 
Fast  closed  by  the  gods 
'Gainst  erring  desire. 

The  Voice  of  Conscience  {invisible) : 
Now  totter  thy  thoughts 
In  Being's  abyss; 

And  what  was  lent  as  help  to  them, 
Thou  now  hast  lost. 
And  what  shone  as  the  sun  for  them 
For  thee  is  quenched. 
Alone  in  cosmic  depths  thou  wanderest, 
Which  men  intoxicated  with  desire 
Would  seek  to  win. 
Thou  tremblest  in  the  fundaments  of  growth 


40       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Where  men  must  learn  to  be  bereft  of  all 

Comfort  of  soul.   .    .    . 

{The  last  words  run  straight  on  into  the  following 
ones  spoken  by  Maria,  who  is  still  hidden  by 
the  Spirit-forms  and  cannot  be  seen.     She 
speaks  at  first  in  a  ghostly  inward  voice.) 
Maria: 

So  blend  thy  soul 

To  powers  of  love 

Which  once  could  penetrate  her  with  the  hope 

Of  living  warmth, 

Which  once  could  all  her  will  illuminate 

With  spirit-light. 

Rescue  from  loneliness 

The  powers  of  heart  that  seek 

And  feel  the  nearness  of  thy  friend 

In  the  darkness  of  thy  strife. 

{The  Spirit-forms  vanish  with  the  cloud  of  light. 
Maria  becomes  visible  in  her  old  place. 
Maria  and  Thomasius  are  alone,  standing 
opposite  each  other.  From  now  onwards  the 
experiences  are  on  the  physical  plane.) 

Thomasius  {rousing  himself  from  deep  meditation): 
Where  was  I  even  now?     My  powers  of  soul 
Unveiled  the  conflict  of  my  inner-self; 
The  conscience  of  the  world  revealed  to  me 
What  I  had  lost ;  and  then  as  blessing  came 
The  voice  of  Love  within  the  darksome  realm. 

Maria: 
Johannes,  the  companion  of  thy  soul 
May  once  again  be  present  at  thy  side, 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      41 

And  follow  thee  to  earth's  primeval  depths, 

Where  souls  can  win  perception  e'en  as  gods, 

By  conquest  that  destroyeth,  yet  acquires 

By  bold  persistence  life  from  seeming  death. 

E'en  in  the  ever  empty  fields  of  ice 

She  may  go  with  her  friend,  where  he  will  be 

Encircled  with  the  light  which  spirits  form 

When  dariiiness  wounds  and  maims  the  powers  of  life. 

My  friend,  thou  standest  at  that  threshold  now. 

Where  man  must  lose  what  once  he  hath  attained. 

Full  many  a  glance  thou  hast  toward  spirit-realms 

Directed,  and  from  them  hast  gained  the  power 

That  made  thee  capable  of  thy  great  work. 

It  seems  to  thee,  that  now  that  work  is  lost; 

Desire  not  then  that  it  were  otherwise. 

For  such  desire  must  rob  thee  of  all  power 

Of  further  progress  into  spirit-realms. 

Whether  thou  walk'st  in  error  or  in  truth, 

Thou  canst  keep  ever  clear  the  view  ahead. 

Which  lets  thy  soul  press  further  on  its  path 

If  thou  dost  bravely  bear  necessities 

Imposed  upon  thee  by  the  spirit-realm. 

This  is  the  law  of  spirit- pupilship. 

So  long  as  thou  still  harbourest  the  wish 

That  what  hath  happened  might  be  otherwise 

Thou  wilt  forego  the  power  which  must  be  thine. 

If  thou  dost  wish  to  stay  in  spirit-land. 

That  thou  hast  lost  what  thou  erewhile  hadst  won 

Is  surest  sign  to  thee  that  thou  may'st  walk 

In  safety  further  on  the  spirit-path. 

Henceforward  thou  must  not  rely  upon. 

If  thou  in  truth  regardest  it  as  lost. 


42       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

That  understanding  which  thou  hast  till  now 
Well-used  as  the  criterion  of  thy  work. 
Therefore  thy  being  must  become  quite  still 
And  wait  in  silence  for  the  spirit's  gifts; 
Then  only  wilt  thou  commune  with  thyself 
When  thou  once  more  hast  won  thyself  anew. 
Oft  hast  thou  met  the  solemn  Guardian 
Who  on  the  Threshold  keeps  so  strict  a  watch 
When  spirit-life  must  part  from  world  of  sense; 
But  past  that  presence  hast  thou  never  been. 
At  sight  of  him  aye  didst  thou  turn  away 
And  all  thy  view  was  pictured  from  without.  . 
Ne'er  in  that  inner  world  which  widens  out 
Beyond  thee  as  the  spirit-verity, 
Have  thy  steps  trod :  so  must  thou  now  await 
That  which  shall  be  revealed,  when  at  my  side 
Thou  shalt  not  only  to  such  world  draw  nigh, 
But  shalt  pass  o'er  the  Threshold's  boundary. 

Curtain 


Scene  3 

In  Lucifer's  kingdom.  A  space  which  is  not  enclosed 
by  artificial  walls,  but  by  fantastic  forms  which 
resemble  plants,  animals,  etc.  All  in  various  bril- 
liant shades  of  red.  In  the  background  are  arranged 
three  transparencies  showing  the  top  of  Raphael's 
' Disputa,'  Leonardo's  'Last  Supper,'  and  Raphael's 
'  School  of  A  thens. '  These  are  illuminated  from  the 
back  of  the  stage  whenever  Maria  or  Benedictus 
challenges  Lucifer.  A  t  other  times  they  are  invisible. 
On  the  right,  Lucifer's  throne.  A  t  first  only  the 
souls  of  Capesius  and  Maria  are  present.  After  a 
time  Lucifer  appears,  and  later  on  Benedictus  and 
Thomasius,  with  his  etheric  counterpart  or  'double,' 
and  lastly,  Theodora. 

Maria: 
Thou,  who  within  the  realm  of  sense  art  named 
Capesius,  I  wonder  why  it  is 
Thou  art  the  being  whom  I  meet  the  first 
In  Lucifer's  domain:  'tis  dangerous 
When  spirits  of  this  place  blow  round  one's  head. 

Capesius  {in  astral  garb) : 
O  speak  not  to  me  of  Capesius 
Who  in  the  kingdom  of  the  Earth  erewhile 
Strove  through  a  life  which  he  hath  long  since  known 

43 


44       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Was  but  a  dream.     Whilst  there  be  bent  his  mind 

Upon  such  things  as  ever  come  to  pass 

As  time  streams  on.     And  he  had  set  himself 

In  that  way  to  discover  all  the  powers 

Through  which  mankind  fulfils  its  spirit-life. 

What  thus  he  came  to  know  about  those  powers 

He  tried  to  keep  deep  fastened  in  his  soul. 

Now  only  in  this  realm  one  understands 

To  judge  aright  the  knowledge  he  pursued. 

He  thought  the  pictures  he  possessed  were  true 

And  could  reveal  to  him  reality ; 

But,  viewed  from  here,  they  clearly  show  themselves 

As  naught  but  empty  dreams,  which  Spirit-hands 

Have  woven  round  about  weak  men  of  Earth. 

They  cannot  bear  the  cold  clear  light  of  truth. 

They  would  be  utterly  afraid  and  stunned 

If  they  should  learn  how  all  the  course  of  life 

Is  turned  by  spirits  after  their  ideas. 

Maria: 
Thou  speakest  as  I've  only  heard  those  speak 
Who  ne'er  have  been  incarnate  on  the  Earth. 
They  tell  you  Earth  hath  no  significance. 
That  in  the  universe  its  work  is  small. 
But  he  who  hath  belonged  to  realms  of  Earth 
And  owes  to  it  the  best  powers  that  he  hath, 
Will  have  a  different  tale  to  tell  thereof. 
He  finds  important  many  threads  of  fate 
Which  bind  Earth's  life  to  that  of  all  the  worlds. 
E'en  Lucifer  who  works  here  with  such  power 
Must  keep  his  gaze  fixed  fast  upon  the  Earth, 
And  seek  to  turn  men's  deeds  in  such  a  way 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      45 

That  their  results  may  ripen  his  own  soul. 

He  knows  he'd  fall  a  victim  to  the  dark 

If  he  could  find  no  booty  on  the  Earth, 

And  so  his  fate  is  bound  up  with  that  sphere. 

So  too,  with  those  who  dwell  in  other  worlds. 

And  when  the  human  soul  can  clearly  see 

The  cosmic  goal,  which  Lucifer  desires. 

And  can  compare  with  it  what  those  powers  wish 

Who  have  him  as  opponent  to  their  aims. 

Then  will  she  know  that  he  can  be  destroyed 

Through  conquests  which  she  gains  o'er  her  own  self. 

Capesius: 
The  human  being  who  here  talks  with  thee 
Thinks  that  fate  dreadful,  which  compels  him  now 
To  wear  a  body  round  him ;  which  hath  yet 
The  breath  of  life  and  keeps  its  earthly  form, 
Although  the  spirit  hath  no  more  control. 
At  such  a  time  this  spirit  feels  indeed 
That  worlds,  he  values,  fall  at  one  fierce  blow. 
He  feels  himself  within  a  prison-house 
Narrow  and  horrible  with  naught  all  round. 
Remembrance  of  the  life  that  he  passed  through 
Seems,  as  it  were,  extinguished  from  his  soul. 
At  times  he  feels  aware  of  human  souls. 
But  what  they  say  he  cannot  understand; 
He  only  catches  some  especial  words 
Which  lift  themselves  from  out  the  general  talk, 
And  bring  remembrance  of  the  loveliness 
Which  he  can  gaze  on  in  the  Spirit-realms. 
He's  in  his  body  then,  and  yet  is  not ; 
And  lives  within  himself  a  life  he  fears 


46       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

When  he  beholds  it  from  this  region  here: 
And  he  is  longing  for  the  time  to  come 
When  from  this  body  he  will  be  set  free. 

Maria: 
The  body  which  is  proper  to  Earth-souls 
Bears  in  itself  the  means  to  recreate 
In  lofty  pictures  loveliness  sublime : 
Which  pictures,  even  if  their  substance  now 
Seems  but  a  shadow  in  the  human  soul, 
Are  yet  the  buds  which  in  the  future  worlds 
Will  open  out  to  blossom  and  to  fruit. 
So  through  his  body  man  may  serve  the  gods. 
And  his  soul's  life  doth  show  in  its  true  light 
Only  when  in  his  body  he  doth  find 
The  power  to  give  his  "I"  reality. 

Capesius: 

Ah,  utter  not  that  word  in  front  of  him 

Who  stands  before  thee  now  in  Spirit-realms 

And  on  the  Earth  is  called  Capesius. 

He  fain  would  flee  away  when  that  word  sounds, 

So  fierce  it  burns  him  here. 

Maria: 

So  thou  dost  hate 
That  which  first  gives  true  being  unto  men  ? 
How  canst  thou  come  to  live  within  this  realm 
If  so  appalling  seems  that  word  to  thee? 
For  no  one  can  arrive  as  far  as  this 
Who  hath  not  faced  the  nature  of  that  word. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      47 

Capesius: 
He  who  appears  to  thee  hath  often  stood 
Before  great  Lucifer  who  rules  this  realm. 
And  Lucifer  hath  made  it  clear  to  him 
That  only  souls,  who  consciously  make  use 
Of  powers  that  from  their  earthly  bodies  come, 
Can  harm  the  realm  which  doth  obey  his  will. 
Those  souls  however  who  go  through  their  life 
Within  the  body,  as  it  were  in  swoon, 
And  yet  already  have  clairvoyant  power. 
These  only  learn  in  Lucifer's  domain. 
And  cannot  cause  it  harm  in  any  way. 

Maria: 

I  know  that  in  these  realms  of  Spirit-life 

'Tis  not  by  words,  but  sight,  that  one  doth  learn. 

What  in  this  moment  I  have  come  to  see 

Because  of  thine  appearance  to  me  here. 

Will  later  show  itself  within  my  soul 

As  progress  in  my  spirit-pupilship. 

Capesius: 
Here  'tis  not  only  teaching  that  one  gains; 
Duties  are  also  shown  one  in  this  place. 
Thou  hast  here  spoken  with  the  soul  of  him 
Who  calls  himself  Capesius  on  earth. 
The  spirit-glances  into  former  lives 
That  are  accorded  thee,  will  show  to  thee 
Thou  owest  much  through  Karma  unto  him. 
Therefore  thou  shouldst  petition  Lucifer 
That  he,  the  great  Light-Bearer,  should  allow 
Capesius  to  guard  thee  on  the  Earth. 


48       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Thou  knowest  through  thy  wisdom  well  enough 
What  thou  canst  do  for  him,  so  that  he  may 
Be  led  again  to  thee  in  later  lives 
So  that  through  thee  the  debt  may  be  wiped  out. 

Maria: 
And  so  this  duty  which  I  hold  so  dear 
Must  be  fulfilled  through  power  from  Lucifer? 

Capesius: 
Thou  dost  desire  this  duty  to  fulfil, 
And  that  can  only  be  through  Lucifer. 
Look!     Here  he  comes,  the  Spirit  of  the  Light. 

{Lucifer  appears  and,  in  the  course  of  his  speech, 
Benedictus.) 

Lucifer: 
Maria,  thou  art  asking  at  my  throne 
Self-knowledge  for  that  very  human  soul 
Who  standeth  near  thee  in  the  life  on  Earth. 
It  cannot  learn  to  know  itself  aright 
Except  by  gazing  deep  into  myself; 
And  that  it  will  achieve  without  thine  aid. 
How  canst  thou  think  that  I  would  grant  to  thee 
All  that  thou  mayst  desire  for  this  thy  friend  ? 
Thou  namest  Benedictus  as  thy  guide. 
Who  is  my  strong  opponent  on  the  Earth, 
Lending  unto  mine  enemies  his  strength. 
Already  hath  he  stolen  much  from  me. 
Johannes  cut  himself  adrift  from  him 
And  placed  himself  beneath  my  guiding  hand. 
He  cannot  yet  indeed  see  my  true  self 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      49 

Because  he  hath  not  yet  the  seer's  full  power. 

He  will  attain  it  later  through  myself, 

And  then  he  will  entirely  be  mine  own. 

But  I  command  thee  not  to  speak  a  word 

That  might  apply  to  him  in  any  way 

So  long  as  thou  dost  stand  before  my  throne. 

Any  such  word  would  burn  me  in  this  place. 

Here  words  are  deeds,  and  deeds  must  follow  them ; 

But  what  might  follow — from  such  words  of  thine — 

It  must  not  be 


Benedictus: 

Thou  must  give  ear  to  her. 
For  where  words  have  an  equal  power  with  deeds 
They  come  in  consequence  of  former  deeds. 
The  deed  is  done  that  conquers  Lucifer. 
Maria  is  my  spirit-pupil  true. 
I  could  direct  her  to  that  point,  whence  she 
Could  recognize  the  highest  spirit-task, 
Which  same  she  will  most  certainly  fulfil. 
And  in  fulfilling  it  she  will  for  sure 
Build  in  Johannes  power  and  balm  to  heal, 
Which  will  release  him  from  thy  kingdom's  grip. 
Maria  carries  deep  within  her  soul 
A  solemn  holy  vow  which  doth  awake 
Such  healing  powers  in  progress  of  the  worlds. 
Soon  wilt  thou  hear  all  this  put  into  words. 
But  if  with  powerful  thought  thou  wouldst  suppress 
And  veil  the  rays  of  light  through  which  thou  gainst 
The  magic  power  to  strive  against,  and  win 
The  victory  o'er  all  that  selfhood  means, 

Vol.  II— 4 


50       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

I  think  that  then  thou'lt  glimpse  the  healing  rays, 
Which  will  in  future  shine  with  such  a  strength 
That  they  will  draw  Johannes  to  their  realm, 
By  their  all-powerful  love. 

Maria: 

Johannes  soon 
Will  here  appear;  and  yet  in  such  a  form 
As  earthly  souls  would  recognize  as  theirs, 
Will  come  that  being,  who  within  the  man 
Lies  hid  as  dual  personality. 
And  if  Johannes  could  but  recognize 
Thee  as  thou  seemest  to  his  earthly  form 
It  could  not  bring  to  him  all  he  requires 
To  help  him  in  the  progress  of  his  soul. 
Thou  shalt  vouchsafe  to  him  this  double  now 
For  him  to  use  upon  those  spirit-paths 
O'er  which  I  shall  in  future  guide  his  steps. 

Lucifer: 
Johannes  then  must  stand  before  me  now. 
I  feel  full  well  the  power  which  comes  from  thee; 
It  hath  opposed  me  since  the  Earth  began. 

{Enter   Johannes    Thomasius   and  his   Eiheric 
Counterpart  from  different  sides  of  the  stage 
at  the  same  moment,  and  meet  face  to  fa^e.) 
Thomasius: 

0  mine  own  Likeness,  up  till  now  thou  hast 
Shown  thyself  to  me  only  that  I  might 

Be  frightened  at  the  sight  of  mine  own  self. 

1  cannot  understand  thee  much  as  yet; 

I  only  know  that  thou  dost  guide  my  soul. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      51 

'Tis  thou  then  who  dost  baulk  me  of  free  life 
And  dost  prevent  me  from  due  cognizance 
Of  what  I  really  am.     Now  must  I  hear 
Thee  speak  in  front  of  Lucifer,  to  see 
What  I  in  future  years  shall  yet  achieve. 

Thomasius'  Double: 
'Tis  true  I  often  was  allowed  to  come 
And  bring  Johannes  knowledge  of  himself. 
But  I  could  only  work  in  those  soul  depths, 
Which  still  are  hidden  from  his  consciousness. 
My  life  within  him  hath  for  some  long  time 
Been  subject  to  considerable  change. 
Maria  used  to  stand  close  to  his  side. 
He  thought  her  bound  in  spirit  to  himself; 
I  showed  him  that  the  true  guides  of  his  soul 
Were  only  passion  and  impulsiveness. 
He  could  but  think  of  this  as  some  reproach, 
But  thou  couldst  show,  O  Light-Bearer  sublime, 
To  sensual  tendencies  the  way  by  which 
They  best  might  serve  the  spirit-purposes. 
Johannes  from  Maria  had  to  part, 
And  give  himself  forthwith  to  earnest  thought 
Which  hath  the  power  to  purify  men's  souls. 
What  from  his  purity  of  thought  streamed  forth 
Flowed  also  into  me,  and  I  was  changed. 
I  felt  his  purity  within  myself. 
Nought  need  he  fear  from  me,  if  he  should  now 
Feel  once  more  drawn  toward  Maria's  soul. 
But  he  belongs,  as  yet,  to  thy  domain, 
And  at  this  moment  I  demand  him  back. 
For  he  could  now  experience  myself, 


52        Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Unless  thou  will'st  to  misdirect  his  sense. 
He  needs  me  now,  that  from  me  there  may  flow 
Into  his  thought  with  mighty  conscious  strength 
Both  warmth  of  soul  and  also  power  of  heart. 
Then  once  more  shall  he  find  himself  as  man. 

Lucifer: 
I  count  thy  striving  good.     Yet  can  I  not 

Grant  to  thee  all  that  thou  dost  ask  of  me. 

For  should  I  give  thee  to  Johannes  now 

In  that  same  form  wherein  in  former  years 

Thou  didst  appear  before  his  mind  and  soul, 

He  would  at  present  only  give  his  love 

To  thinking  and  to  knowledge  cold  and  bare ; 

And  all  warm  individuality 

Would  seem  unfeeling,  meaningless  and  dead. 

It  is  not  thus  my  power  must  fashion  him. 

Through  me  he  must  discover  in  himself 

His  living  personality  and  self. 

I  must  transform  thee,  if  the  thing  that's  right 

Shall  come  forth  for  his  health  and  progress  now. 

I  have  a  long  time  since  prepared  for  all 

That  now  shall  clearly  show  itself  in  thee. 

In  future  thou  wilt  seem  another  man, 

Johannes  will  no  more  Maria  love, 

As  he  hath  loved  her  in  the  days  gone  by. 

Yet  none  the  less  he'll  love,  with  all  the  strength 

And  all  the  passion  he  once  gave  to  her. 

Benedictus: 
The  glorious  work  in  which  we've  gained  success 
Thou  wouldst  now  turn  unto  thine  own  account. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      53 

Thou  hast  Johannes  through  his  power  of  heart 
Marked  for  thine  own  one  day;  and  yet  thou  seest 
That  thou  must  make  the  fetters  stronger  still 
If  thou  wouldst  keep  his  being  for  thyself. 
His  heart  will  be  beneath  his  spirit's  rule — 
If  that  is  so  then  all  the  knowledge-work 
Which  he  on  Earth  accomplished,  must  be  giv'n 
In  future,  for  their  own,  to  those  great  Powers 
Which  thou  hast  fought  against  since  Time  began. 
If  thou  succeed'st  in  lowering  that  love 
Which  now  Johannes  for  Maria  feels 
And  changing  it  by  cunning  to  the  lust 
Which  thou  dost  now  require  for  thine  own  ends, 
Then  will  he  turn  the  good  he  did  on  Earth, 
To  evil  ends  from  out  the  Spirit-worlds. 

Maria: 
Then  he  may  yet  be  saved  ?     'Tis  not  decreed 
That  he  must  fall  a  victim  to  the  powers 
That  want  to  gain  his  work  now  for  themselves  ? 

Benedictus: 
It  would  be  so  if  all  the  Powers  remained 
Just  as  at  present  they  have  formed  themselves ; 
But  if  at  the  right  hour  thou  dost  allow 
Thy  vow  to  take  effect  in  thine  own  soul 
Those  powers  must  change  their  course  in  futtire  times. 

Lucifer: 
So  work,  compelling  powers, 
Ye  elemental  sprites, 
Feel  now  your  Master's  power; 


54       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

And  smooth  for  me  the  way, 
That  leads  from  realms  of  Earth 
That  so  there  may  draw  near 
To  Lucifer's  domain 
Whate'er  my  wish  desires 
Whate'er  obeys  my  will. 
{Theodora  appears.) 

Theodora: 
Who  calleth  me  to  realms  so  strange  to  me? 
I  like  it  not,  unless  the  world  of  gods 
Reveals  itself  in  love  unto  my  soul, 
And  glowing  warmth  entwining  round  my  heart 
Draws  spirit-speech  from  out  mine  inmost  soul. 

Thomasius'  Double: 
Ah,  how  thou  dost  transform  my  very  life! 
Thou  hast  appeared,  and  here  am  I,  a  man 
Who  now  can  only  work  when  filled  by  thee. 
Johannes  shall,  through  me,  be  now  thine  own, 
And  from  henceforward  thou  shalt  have  the  love 
Which  once  so  fearful  and  so  radiant 
Was  wrested  for  Maria  from  his  heart. 
He  saw  thee  years  ago,  but  did  not  then 
Feel  all  the  warmth  of  love  which  was  to  grow 
In  secret  in  the  depths  of  his  own  soul. 
Now  it  will  rise,  and  fill  him  full  of  power, 
And  turn  his  thoughts  entirely  to  thyself. 

Benedictus: 
The  crucial  moment  is  arriving  now. 
His  strongest  power  hath  Lucifer  let  loose: 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      55 

Maria,  all  the  training  of  thy  soul 

Thou  must  put  forth  in  strength  to  vanquish  him. 

Maria: 
O  Bearer  of  that  Light,  which  would  confine 
Love  only  to  the  service  of  the  self; 
Thou  hast  from  Earth's  beginning  granted  men 
Knowledge,  when  they,  still  guided  by  the  gods, 
Obeyed  the  spirit,  knowing  nought  of  self. 
But  since  that  time  each  soul  of  man  hath  been 
The  place  in  which  thou  fightest  'gainst  the  gods. 
Yet  now  the  times  are  coming,  which  must  bring 
Destruction  on  thyself  and  on  thy  realms. 
A  thinker  bold  was  able  to  release 
Science  from  all  thy  gifts  in  such  a  way 
That  unto  mankind's  gods  it  gave  itself. 
But  thou  dost  try  once  more  to  get  the  powers. 
Which  for  the  gods  are  destined,  for  thyself. 
Because  Johannes  through  his  work  hath  now 
Deprived  thee  of  that  knowledge,  with  whose  fruit 
Thou  from  the  first  deceived'st  all  mankind, 
So  now  thou  would'st  deceive  him,  through  that  love 
Which,  should  he  follow  out  his  destined  path 
For  Theodora  he  should  never  feel. 
Thou  fain  wouldst  conquer  Wisdom  now  by  Love, 
As  once  'gainst  Love  thou  didst  by  Wisdom  fight. 
But  know  full  well  that  in  Maria's  heart. 
With  which  she  now  opposeth  thy  designs, 
The  spirit-pupil  ship  hath  planted  powers 
To  keep  far  off,  for  ever,  all  self-love 
From  Knowledge.     Never  from  this  hour  will  I 
Allow  myself  to  be  possessed  by  joy 


56        Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Such  as  men  feel  when  thoughts  grow  ripe  within. 

I'll  steel  my  heart  to  serve  as  sacrifice 

So  that  my  mind  can  always  only  think 

In  such  a  way  that  through  my  thoughts  I  may 

Offer  the  fruits  of  Knowledge  to  the  gods. 

My  sacred  service  shall  such  Knowledge  be, 

And  what  I  thus  effect  within  myself 

Shall  o'er  Johannes  powerfully  outstream, 

And  oft,  in  future,  when  within  his  heart 

These  words  are  whispered  from  thyself  to  him: 

*  Man's  human  nature  shall  through  love  find  out 

What  gives  strength  to  his  personality. ' 

Then  shall  my  heart  this  powerful  answer  give : 

'  Once  didst  thou  hear  these  words,  when  Earth  began, 

And  there  didst  show  forth  signs  ot  Wisdom' sirait, 

' '  The  fruits  of  love  can  only  come  to  man 

When  they  are  brought  to  him  from  realms  divine. " ' 

Lucifer: 
1  mean  to  fight. 


Benedictus: 


And  fighting,  serve  the  gods. 
Curtain 


Scene  4 

A  cheerful  pink  room  in  the  home  of  Strader  and  his  wife 
Theodora.  One  notices  by  the  arrangement  that 
they  use  it  as  a  room  in  common,  where  they  carry 
on  their  various  works.  On  his  table  there  are 
mechanical  models;  on  hers  things  to  do  with  mystic 
studies.  The  two  are  holding  a  conversation  which 
shows  that  they  are  absorbed  in  the  fact  that  it  is  the 
seventh  anniversary  of  their  wedding  day. 

Strader: 
'Tis  seven  years  today  since  thou  becam'st 
The  loved  and  dear  companion  of  my  life 
And  also  unto  me  a  source  of  light, 
Which  shone  upon  a  life  which  formerly 
Was  threatened  only  with  approaching  dark. 
In  spirit-life  I  was  a  starving  man 
When  thou  didst  first  stand  at  my  side  and  give 
That  which  the  world  had  aye  withheld  from  me. 
For  long  years  had  I  striven  earnestly 
To  probe  the  depths  of  science  with  my  mind 
And  find  the  worth  of  life  and  goal  of  man. 
One  day  I  clearly  had  to  recognize 
That  all  this  striving  had  been  quite  in  vain 
Hadst  thou  not  shown  that  man's  spirit  seeks 
How  to  reveal  itself  through  certain  things 
Which  shunned  my  knowledge  and  my  eager  thought. 

57 


58        Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

I  met  thee  then  amongst  that  company 

Where  Benedictus  was  the  guide  of  all, 

And  listened  to  thy  revelations  there. 

Later  I  saw  how  in  Thomasius 

The  spirit-pupilship  could  work  with  power 

Within  the  human  soul.     What  thus  I  saw 

Robbed  me  of  faith  in  science  and  good  sense, 

And  yet  it  showed  me  nothing  at  that  time 

Which  really  seemed  to  me  intelligent. 

I  turned  away  from  all  the  realm  of  thought 

And  went  on  living  in  an  aimless  way 

Since  life  had  ceased  to  be  of  worth  to  me. 

I  gave  myself  to  technique  that  it  might 

Bring  me  oblivion  and  forgetfulness, 

And  lived  a  life  of  torment,  till  once  more 

I  met  thee,  for  the  second  time;  and  then 

Our  friendship  soon  grew  deep  and  ripe  for  love. 

Theodora: 
It  is  but  natural,  that  on  this  day 
Rememberance  of  those  old  times  should  again 
Stand  out  so  vividly  before  thy  soul. 
I  also  feel  a  need  in  mine  own  heart 
To  look  back  once  again  upon  those  days 
When  we  were  drawn  together  in  life's  bond. 
I  felt  the  constant  strengthening  at  that  time 
Within  me  of  the  power  which  made  my  soul 
Able  for  knowledge  from  the  spirit-worlds. 
And  under  Felix  Balde's  noble  lead 
This  power  grew  on  thenceforward  to  that  height 
At  which  it  stood  just  seven  years  ago. 
About  that  time  I  met  Capesius 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      59 

One  day  in  Felix'  lovely  woodland  home. 
A  long  life  had  he  spent  in  deep  research 
And  won  his  way  to  spirit-pupilship. 
He  greatly  wished  to  be  allowed  to  learn 
My  way  of  gazing  on  the  spirit-world. 
So  after  that  I  spent  much  time  with  him. 
And  in  his  house  I  chanced  to  meet  with  thee 
And  could  bring  healing  to  thy  mental  wounds. 

Strader: 
And  then  the  true  light  shone  into  my  soul 
Which  long  had  only  gazed  upon  the  dark. 
I  saw  at  last  what  spirit  is,  in  truth. 
Thou  ledd'st  me  on  in  such  a  way  to  see 
What  was  disclosed  to  thee  from  higher  worlds, 
That  every  doubt  might  swiftly  disappear. 
All  this  at  that  time  worked  so  much  on  me 
That  first  I  thought  of  thee  as  nothing  else 
Except  a  medium  for  the  spirit's  work. 
It  was  a  long  while  e'er  I  recognized 
That  not  my  mind  alone  hung  on  thy  words. 
Which  did  reveal  to  it  its  true  abode; 
But  that  my  heart  was  taken  captive  too 
And  could  no  longer  live  without  thee  near. 

Theodora: 
Then  didst  thou  tell  me  that  which  thou  didst  feel 
And  all  thy  words  were  in  so  strange  a  form; 
It  seemed  as  if  thou  never  hadst  one  thought 
That  all  the  longing  dwelling  in  thy  heart 
Could  even  hope  it  might  be  satisfied. 
Thy  words  showed  clearly  that  it  was  advice 


6o       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

That  thou  wast  seeking  from  thy  sister-soul. 
Thou  spakst  of  help  which  thou  didst  then  require 
And  of  the  strengthening  of  thy  powers  of  soul 
Which  otherwise  must  keep  thee  prison-bound. 

Strader: 
That  my  soul's  messenger  could  be  by  fate 
Destined  to  be  companion  of  my  life 
Lay  very  far  from  all  I  had  in  mind 
When,  seeking  help,  I  showed  my  heart  to  thee. 

Theodora: 
And  yet  those  very  words  which  cut  adrift 
Thy  heart  from  mine  at  first,  soon  went  to  prove 
That  all  of  this  could  not  be  otherwise — 
Hearts  often  have  to  point  the  way  to  fate. 

Strader: 

And  when  thy  heart  pronounced  the  fateful  word 

My  soul  was  flooded  o'er  with  waves  of  life 

Which,  though  I  could  not  feel,  I  knew  were  there; 

'Twas  not  till  late,  when  my  memory 

Rose  from  the  depths  of  my  subconscious  soul, 

That  they  fulfilled  themselves  in  rays  of  light. 

I  could  know  all,  from  what  my  mem'ry  taught, 

But  could  not  live  it  then,  because  so  much 

Still  held  me  far  apart  from  spirit-life.  , 

'Twas  then  indeed  I  first  became  aware 

Of  spirit  in  close  contact  with  my  soul. 

Ne'er  have  I  felt  like  that  again ;  and  yet 

That  knowledge  gave  to  me  a  certainty 

That  hath  illuminated  all  my  life. 

And  then  flowed  on  these  seven  wondrous  years. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      6i 

I  learned  to  feel  how  e'en  mechanic  skill 

Which  now  I  study,  is  enriched  by  souls 

Whose  attitude  t'ward  spirit-life  is  right. 

'Twas  through  the  spirit-power  which  thou  couldst  give 

And  which  made  such  demands  upon  my  life 

That  I  was  able  to  look  out  beyond 

The  strife  for  power,  and  thence  quite  suddenly 

As  if  it  had  been  prompted,  there  appeared 

Before  my  wondering  spirit  that  new  work 

From  which  we  now  may  dare  to  hope  so  much 

And  in  thy  light  I  felt  within  my  soul 

The  full  awakening  of  all  those  powers 

Which  would  have  perished,  had  I  lived  alone. 

This  certainty  of  life  which  I  had  won 

Let  me  stand  upright  then,  just  at  that  time 

When,  in  such  startling  wise,  Thomasius 

Condemned  before  the  Rose  Cross  brotherhood 

The  work  of  his  own  brain,  and  cast  himself 

Adrift,  with  judgment  hard,  just  at  that  hour 

Which  could  have  brought  him  to  his  life's  full  height. 

This  inner  certainty  could  hold  me  fast 

When  all  the  outer  world  seemed  to  reveal 

Naught  but  a  mass  of  contradicting  facts. 

Through  thee  alone  have  I  gained  all  this  power. 

The  spirit-revelation  which  thou  gav'st 

Brought  me  the  sense  of  knowledge  I  had  won ; 

And  when  the  revelation  came  no  more 

Thou  still  didst  stay  my  strength  and  light  of  soul. 

Theodora    (in   a   broken   sentence,   as   if   meditating 
deeply) : 
Then  when  the  revelation  came  no  more  .    .    . 


62       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Strader: 
'Tis  that  which  often  made  me  sorrowful. 
I  wondered  if  'twere  not  deep  pain  to  thee 
To  lose  thy  seeress'  power  of  second-sight, 
And  whether  thou  didst  suffer  silently, 
Lest  I  should  grieve:  and  yet  thy  temperament 
Showed  thou  couldst  bear  with  calmness  fate's  decree. 
But  lately  thou  hast  seemed  to  me  to  change, 
Joy  no  more  streams  from  thee  as  heretofore 
And  thine  eye's  glowing  light  begins  to  fade. 

Theodora: 
Indeed  it  could  not  be  deep  pain  to  me 
When  spirit-revelation  disappeared. 
My  fate  had  only  changed  my  way  of  life; 
Which  I  must  needs  accept  with  patience  calm. 
But  now  'tis  born  once  more,  and  brings  great  grief. 

Strader: 
This  is  the  first  time  in  these  seven  years 
I  cannot  fathom  Theodora's  mind; 
For  each  experience  of  spirit-life 
Was  such  a  source  of  inward  joy  to  thee. 

Theodora: 
Quite  different  is  the  revelation  now. 
At  first,  as  then,  I  feel  myself  constrained 
To  drive  away  all  thought  that  is  mine  own; 
But  where,  before,  after  some  little  time 
When  I  achieved  this  inward  emptiness 
A  gentle  light  did  hover  round  my  soul 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      63 

And  spirit-pictures  wished  to  form  themselves; 
There  come  now  unseen  feelings  of  disgust ; 
Which  come  in  such  a  way  that  I  am  sure 
The  power  I  feel  within  comes  from  without — 
Then  fear  I  cannot  banish  pours  itself 
Into  my  life  and  governs  all  my  soul — 
And  gladly  would  I  flee  from  that  dread  Shape 
That  is  invisible,  and  yet  abhorred. 
It  tries  to  reach  me  with  its  evil  will 
And  I  can  only  hate  what  is  revealed. 


Strader: 
With  Theodora  'tis  not  possible. 
They  say  that  what  one  thus  lives  through,  is  but 
The  mirrored  working  of  one's  own  soul-powers. 
Yet  thy  soul  could  not  show  such  things  as  these. 


Theodora  {painfully,  slowly,  as  if  reflecting) : 
I  know  indeed  that  such  ideas  are  held — 
Therefore  with  all  the  power  that  still  was  mine 
I  sank  into  the  spirit-world  and  prayed 
That  those  same  beings  who  so  oft  before 
Were  kind  to  me,  would  graciously  reveal 
How  I  could  learn  the  cause  of  all  my  pain. 

{Now  follow  in  broken  words) : 
And  then  .    .    .   the  shining  Light   .    .    .   came  .  .  . 

as  before 
And  formed  .    .    .   the   image   ...   of  an  earthly 

man.    .    .    . 
It  was  .    .    .   Thomasius.    ... 


64       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Strader  {painfully,  overcome  by  the  quick  inrush  of 
feelings) : 

.    .    .    .Thomasius.    .    .    . 
The  man  in  whom  I  always  have  believed .... 

(Pause,  then  meditating  painfully.) 
When  I  again  recall  before  my  soul 
How  he  behaved  towards  the  Mystic  League .... 

How  of  himself  and  Ahriman  he  spake 

(Theodora  is  lost  in  contemplation,  and  stares 
blankly  into  space,  as  if  her  spirit  were 
absent.) 

Strader: 
O  Theodora  .  .  .  what  dost  thou  ...  see  now.  .  .  . 

Curtain 


Scene  5 

A  round  room  in  the  little  house  in  the  wood,  described 
in  the  "Soul's  Probation,"  as  Felix  Balde's  home. 
Dame  Balde,  Felix  Balde,  Capesius,  Strader,  are 
seen  seated  at  a  table  on  the  left  of  the  stage.  Later 
appears  the  Soul  of  Theodora.  The  room  is  the 
natural  colour  of  the  wood  and  has  two  pretty  arched 
windows. 

Dame  Balde: 
We  shall  not  know  again  her  beauteous  self 
Nor  feel  her  radiant  nature  till  we  too 
Shall  reach  some  day  the  world  to  which  she  hath 
So  early  from  our  sight  been  stol'n  away. 
A  few  short  weeks  ago  we  still  could  hear 
With  joy  in  this  our  house  the  graciousness 
That  streamed  so  warmly  through  her  every  word. 

Felix  Balde: 
We  both,  my  wife  Felicia,  and  myself, 
Loved  her  indeed  from  out  our  inmost  soul, 
So  can  we  share  and  understand  thy  grief. 

Strader: 
Dear  Theodora,  she  so  often  spoke 
Throughout  the  last  hours  of  her  life  on  earth 

Vol.  II— s  65 


66       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Of  Dame  Felicia  and  of  Felix  too; 

She  was  so  closely  intimate  with  all 

That  life  brought  to  you  here  from  day  to  day. 

Now  must  I  grope  my  further  path  alone. 
She  was  the  sum  and  meaning  of  my  life. 
And  what  she  gave,  can  never  die  for  me. 
And  yet — she  is  not  here 

Felix  Balde: 

Yet  can  we  still 
With  thee  send  out  our  loving  thoughts  to  her 
Into  the  spirit-worlds,  and  thus  unite 
Her  soul  with  ours  through  all  the  days  to  come. 
But,  I  must  own,  it  was  a  shock  to  us 
When  we  were  told  her  life  on  Earth  was  o'er. 
These  many  years  there  hath  been  granted  me 
A  gift  of  insight  which  doth  often  show 
In  unexpected  moments  quite  unsought 
What  inward  strength  doth  lie  in  all  men's  lives; 
In  her  case  hath  this  gift  deceived  me  sore. 
For  ne'er  indeed  could  I  think  otherwise, 
Except  that  Theodora  would  be  spared 
To  spend  on  Earth  for  many  years  as  yet 
That  love  through  which  she  hath  in  joy  and  grief 
Shown  herself  helpful  to  so  many  men. 

Strader: 
'Tis  very  strange  how  all  hath  come  to  pass ; 
As  long  as  I  have  known  her,  had  she  lived 
Ever  the  same  sound  healthy  mode  of  life. 
But  since  the  time  she  first  became  aware 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      67 

Of  Something  strange,  unknown,  that  threatened  her 

And  tried  to  enter  and  oppress  her  mind; 

Her  senses  clouded  over  more  and  more 

And  suffering  poured  itself  through  all  her  life. 

Her  body's  powers  were  sapped,  as  one  could  see 

By  some  great  struggle  in  her  inmost  soul. 

She  told  me,  when  in  my  anxiety, — 

I  plied  her  oft  with  many  questionings — 

She  felt  herself  exposed  to  fearful  thoughts 

Which  frightened  her  and  worked  like  fire  within. 

And  what  she  said  besides — 'tis  terrible, 

For  when  she  rallied  all  her  powers  of  thought 

To  find  the  cause  of  all  this  suffering 

There  always  came  before  her  spirit's  gaze 

Thomasius  .    .    .  whom  we  both  honoured  so, 

And  yet  from  this  impression  aye  remained 

The  strongest  feelings  which  spake  clear  to  her 

That  she  had  cause  to  fear  Thomasius. 

Capesius  (spoken  as  in  a  trance) : 
According  to  the  strict  decree  of  Fate 
Thomasius  and  Theodora  ne'er 
Could  meet  in  earthly  passion  in  this  life. 
'Twould  be  indeed  opposed  to  cosmic  laws 
If  one  desired  to  make  the  other  feel 
Aught  that  was  not  on  spirit  only  based. 
Within  his  heart  Thomasius  doth  break 
The  stern  decree  of  mighty  powers  of  Fate; 
That  he  should  never  harbour  in  his  soul 
Thoughts  that  might  bring  to  Theodora  harm. 
For  he  doth  feel  what  he  ought  not  to  feel 
And,  through  his  disobedience  he  doth  form 


68       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

E'en  now  the  powers  which  can  dehver  o'er 

His  future  life  unto  the  realms  of  dark. 

When  Theodora  had  been  forced  to  come 

To  Lucifer,  she  learnt  unconsciously 

That  through  the  Light-bearer,  Thomasius 

Was  filled  with  sensual  passion  for  herself. 

Maria,  who  had  been  by  Fate's  decree 

Entrusted  with  Thomasius'  spirit-life. 

And  Theodora,  at  the  same  time  met 

Within  that  realm  which  fights  against  the  gods — 

Maria  from  Thomasius  had  to  part. 

And  he  through  strength  of  this  false  love  was  forced 

To  be  in  bondage  unto  Lucifer. 

What  Theodora  thus  experienced 

Became  consuming  fire  within  her  soul 

And  working  fiirther  caused  her  all  this  pain. 

Strader: 
Oh  tell  us,  Father  Felix,  what  this  means. 
Capesius  speaks  in  such  a  manner  strange 
Of  things  which  are  incomprehensible; 
And  yet  they  fill  my  soul  with  dread  and  fear. 

Felix  Balde: 
Capesius,  when  treading  o'er  the  path. 
Which  he  hath  found  most  needful  for  his  soul 
Learns  ever  more  and  more  to  exercise 
Those  special  gifts  of  spirit  which  are  his; 
His  spirit  lives  in  touch  with  higher  worlds 
And  passeth  by  unnoticed  all  those  things 
Through  which  the  senses  speak  unto  the  soul. 
'Tis  but  by  habit  that  he  doth  perform 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      69 

All  that  hath  been  his  custom  in  this  life. 
He  ever  tried  to  visit  his  old  friends 
And  likes  to  while  away  long  hours  with  them, 
And  yet  whenever  he  is  at  their  side 
His  being  seems  in  meditation  lost. 
But  what  he  sees  in  spirit  aye  is  true 
So  far  as  mine  own  searching  of  the  soul 
Can  testify  to  proving  of  the  truth. 
And  therefore  in  this  case  I  do  believe 
That  owing  to  these  spirit-gifts,  he  could 
Perceive  within  the  depths  of  his  own  soul 
The  truth  of  Theodora's  destiny. 

Dame  Balde: 
It  is  so  strange,  he  never  notices 
What  those  around  him  may  be  speaking  of; 
It  seems  his  soul  is  from  his  body  loosed 
And  gazeth  only  on  the  spirit-world; 
And  yet  some  word  will  often  bring  him  back 
Out  of  this  strange  abstraction,  and  he'll  tell 
Of  things  that  seem  to  come  from  spirit-realms 
And  somehow  be  connected  with  that  word. 
Apart  from  that  whatever  one  may  say 
Makes  no  impression  on  his  mind  at  all. 

Strader: 
Ah !  if  he  speaks  the  truth — how  horrible — 
(Theodora's  Soul  appears.) 

Theodora's  Soul: 
Capesius  hath  been  allowed  to  know 
Of  my  existence  in  the  spirit-world; 


70       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

It  is  the  truth  which  he  makes  known  to  you. 

We  must  not  let  Thomasius  transgress : 

Maria  hath  already  set  alight 

The  sacrifice  of  love  in  her  strong  heart ; 

And  Theodora  from  the  spirit-heights 

Will  send  out  rays  of  blessing  from  Love's  power. 

Felix  Balde: 
Dear  Strader,  thou  must  now  be  calm  and  still ; 
She  wants  to  speak  to  thee ;  I  understand 
The  signs  she  gives  to  us :  so  now  attend. 

Theodora  {after  making  a  movement  with  her  hand 
towards  Strader) : 
Thomasius  possesseth  second  sight ; 
And  he  will  find  me  in  the  spirit-realms. 
This  must  not  be  until  he  is  set  free 
From  earthly  passion  in  his  search  for  me. 
In  future  he  will  also  need  thy  help, 
And  that  is  what  I  now  request  of  thee. 

Strader: 
My  Theodora,  who  dost  even  now 
Turn  to  me  as  of  old  in  love,  say  on 
What  thou  desirest,  and  it  shall  be  done. 

{Theodora  makes  a  sign  towards  Capesius.) 

Felix  Balde: 
That  shows  she  cannot  now  say  any  more, 
But  wisheth  us  to  hear  Capesius  speak. 

{Theodora  vanishes.) 

Capesius  {as  in  a  trance): 
Thomasius  can  Theodora  see. 
If  he  doth  choose  to  use  his  spirit-eyes. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      71 

Therefore  her  death  will  not  destroy  in  him 
This  passion  which  is  harmful  to  himself. 
Yet  will  he  have  to  act  quite  otherwise 
Than  he  would  act  if  Theodora  still 
Lived  in  the  body  on  this  earth  of  ours. 
He  will  with  passion  strive  toward  the  light 
Which  is  revealed  to  her  from  spirit-heights 
Although  she  hath  no  consciousness  of  earth. 
Thomasius  is  set  to  win  that  light 
That  through  him  Lucifer  may  gain  it  too. 
This  light  divine  would  then  help  Lucifer 
To  keep  for  evermore  within  his  realm 
The  knowledge  which  Thomasius  acquired 
And  won  for  his  own  use  through  earthly  power. 
For  Lucifer,  since  first  the  Earth  began 
Hath  ever  sought  for  men  who  have  acquired 
Wisdom  divine  through  instincts  that  were  false. 
He  wills  now  to  unite  pure  spirit-sight 
With  human  knowledge,  which,  if  treated  thus 
Would  turn  to  evil,  though  'twere  good  itself. 
Thomasius  however  even  now 
May  be  turned  back  from  this  his  evil  way. 
If  Strader  gives  himself  to  certain  aims 
Which  shall  in  future  spiritually  guide 
All  human  knowledge,  that  it  may  approach 
And  join  itself  to  knowledge  that's  divine. 
If  he  would  have  these  aims  revealed,  he  must 
As  pupil  unto  Benedictus  turn. 
{Pause.) 

Strader  {to  Felix  Balde) : 
O  father  Felix,  give  me  thine  advice. 


72       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Hath  Theodora  really  trusted  this 
Unto  Capesius  to  tell  to  me? 

Felix  Balde: 
These  last  few  days  I  have  most  earnestly 
Held  converse  often  with  mine  inmost  self 
To  try  and  to  clear  my  thoughts  about  this  man. 
Gladly  I'll  tell  thee  all  I  know  myself. 
Capesius  is  living  in  true  wise 
The  life  of  spirit-pupilship,  although 
From  his  behaviour  it  seems  otherwise. 
He  is  already  destined  by  his  fate 
Much  to  accomplish  in  the  spirit-life. 
And  only  can  fulfil  the  duties  high 
To  which  his  soul  hath  been  already  called 
If  he  prepares  his  spirit  for  them  now. 
And  yet  it  lay  quite  near  his  nature  too, 
Instead  of  seeking  light  on  spirit-paths, 
Unto  false  science  to  devote  himself, 
Which  can  just  now  make  bHnd  so  many  souls. 
The  solemn  Guardian  on  the  Threshold  grim, 
Which  marks  the  world  of  sense  from  spirit-worlds, 
Had  duties  of  a  most  especial  kind 
When  to  the  gate  Capesius  found  his  way. 
To  such  an  earnest  seeker  must  the  gate 
Needs  open,  but  behind  him  shut  at  once. 
The  means  he  used  in  former  times  to  win 
Power  for  himself  within  the  world  of  sense 
Could  no  more  help  him  in  the  spirit-realms. 
He  best  prepares  himself  for  service  high 
Which  he  one  day  must  render  to  mankind 
When  he  ignores  our  presence  and  our  talk. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      73 

Dame  Balde: 
There  is  but  one  thing  he  still  notices. 
I  mean  the  stories  that  I  used  to  tell 
So  often  to  him  and  through  which  he  felt 
Refreshed  and  reawakened  to  new  thought 
When  his  soul  seemed  bereft  of  all  ideas. 

Capesius: 
Such  stories  find  their  way  to  spirit-lands 
If  in  the  spirit  also  they  are  told. 

Dame  Balde: 
Then,  if  I  can  collect  myself  enough 
To  speak  my  stories  out  within  myself 
I'll  think  of  thee  with  love:  so  that  they  then 
May  also  in  the  spirit-land  be  heard. 

Curtain 


Scene  6 

A  space  not  circumscribed  by  artificial  walls  but  enclosed 
by  intertwined  plants  like  trees  and  structures  which 
spread  out  and  send  shoots  into  the  interior.  Owing 
to  natural  occurrences  the  whole  is  moving  violently 
and  is  sometimes  filled  with  storm.  The  stage  is 
divided  into  two  groves,  separated  for  a  short  distance 
by  a  row  of  trees.  The  grove  on  right  of  stage  is 
appropriated  later  by  Lucifer  and  his  Spirits,  and 
the  left  grove  by  Ahriman  and  his  Spirits.  The 
dance  movements  are  set  to  music.  Maria  and 
Capesius  are  on  the  stage  as  the  curtain  rises;  then 
Benedictus,  Philia,  Astrid,  Luna,  the  other  Philia, 
Lucifer,  Ahriman,  and  Creatures  which  move  in 
a  dancing  fashion  and  which  represent  thoughts, 
lastly  the  Soul  of  Dame  Balde. 

Benedictus  {invisible  as  yet,  only  audible) : 
Within  thy  thinking,  cosmic  thoughts  do  live. 

Capesius  (in  astral  garb) : 
There  echoes  Benedictus'  noble  voice; 
His  words  are  ringing  in  the  spirit  here, 
And  are  the  same  as  in  the  book  of  life 
Are  written  down  to  aid  his  pupils'  work, 
Which  souls  on  earth  find  hard  to  understand 
And  which  are  even  harder  to  fulfil. 

74 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      75 

What  part  of  spirit-land  is  this,  where  sound 
The  words  which  serve  to  test  the  souls  on  Earth? 

Maria: 
Hast  thou  abode  so  long  in  spirit-land 
In  such  a  way  that  thou  hast  learned  so  much 
And  yet  this  region  is  unknown  to  thee? 

Capesius: 
What  lives  here  in  its  own  reality 
Souls,  versed  in  spirit-ways,  can  grasp  with  ease; 
Each  thing  explains  itself  through  something  else. 
The  whole  may  stand  revealed  in  light,  when  part 
Seen  by  itself,  may  often  still  seem  dark. 
But  when  a  spirit-essence  doth  unite 
With  earthly  nature  to  create  some  work. 
The  soul  begins  to  lose  her  grasp  of  things. 
And  not  alone  a  part,  but  e'en  the  whole 
Is  oft  concealed  from  her  by  darkness  deep. 
Why  words  which  come  in  Benedictus'  book 
And  which  were  written  for  men's  souls  on  Earth, 
Should  echo  here,  within  a  place  like  this. 
That  is  the  problem  which  doth  offer  here. 

Benedictus  {still  invisible) : 
Within  thy  feeling,  cosmic  forces  play. 

Capesius: 
Again  there  come  the  words  which  on  the  Earth 
Did  Benedictus  to  his  pupils  trust; 
And  here  in  his  own  voice  they  echo  forth. 
They  stream  through  all  the  limitless  expanse 
Of  this  great  realm  arousing  darksome  powers. 


76       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Maria: 
I  feel  already  what  I  must  pass  through 
Within  the  boundless  spaces  of  this  realm ; 
And  Benedictus'  nearness  draws  me  on. 
In  this  place  he  will  let  me  gaze  on  things 
Incomprehensible  to  souls  on  Earth 
The  while  they  dwell  in  bodies  bound  by  sense, 
And  e'en  whilst  serving  spirit-pupilship. 
So  must  the  master  bring  them  to  this  place 
Where  words  do  not  depend  on  himian  speech, 
But  are  imprinted  on  their  souls  by  signs; 
Here  he  transforms  to  speech  world  happenings — 
A  world-descriptive  language  for  the  soul. 
I'll  loose  my  inmost  being  from  the  Earth, 
Condensing  all  my  powers  within  my  soul, 
And  so  await  whate'er  may  be  revealed 
To  indicate  my  way  through  spirit-space. 
And  then  when  I  return  to  life  on  Earth 
'Twill  be  a  thought  which,  when  recalled  will  shine 
As  knowledge  in  mine  inmost  depths  of  soul. 

Benedictus  (appears  from  the  background) : 
Win  thou  thyself  in  power  of  cosmic  thought, 
Lose  thou  thyself  in  life  of  cosmic  force; 
Thou  shalt  find  earthly  aims  reflect  themselves 
Through  thine  own  being  in  the  cosmic  light. 

Capesius: 
So  Benedictus  is  in  spirit  here! 
Perhaps  his  words  re-echo  of  themselves. 
Doth  then  the  teacher  bring  the  lore  of  earth 
To  vivify  and  work  in  spirit-realms? 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      n 

But  what  can  be  the  meaning  here  of  words 
Which  he  doth  use  on  earth  in  other  ways  ? 

Benediclus: 
Capesius,  thou  hast  in  thine  earth-life 
Entered  within  my  circle,  though  in  truth 
Thou  ne'er  wast  conscious  of  thy  pupilship. 

Capesius: 
Capesius  is  not  within  this  place; 
And  his  soul  will  not  hear  him  spoken  of. 

Benediclus: 
Thou  wilt  not  feel  thou  art  Capesius 
But  him  in  spirit  thou  shalt  see  and  know. 
For  thee  the  powerful  work  of  thought  hath  now 
In  thy  soul-body  caged  the  spirit-life. 
So  that  thy  soul-life  can  release  itself 
From  thought's  dream-play  within  thine  earthly  frame. 
Too  weak  it  felt  itself  to  wander  forth 
From  out  world  distances  to  depths  of  soul ; 
Too  strong  to  gaze  at  lofty  spirit-light 
Through  all  the  darkness  that  surrounds  the  Earth. 
I  must  accompany  each  one  who  gains 
The  spirit-light  from  me  in  earthly  life 
Whether  he  knows,  or  doth  not  know,  that  he 
Came  as  a  spirit-pupil  to  myself. 
And  I  must  lead  him  further  on  those  paths 
Which  he  in  spirit  learned  to  tread  through  me. 
Thou  hast  through  thy  soul-sight  in  cosmic  space 
Learned  to  draw  nigh  the  spirit  consciously 
Since  loosed  from  body  thou  canst  follow  it. 
But,  not  yet  freed  from  thought,  thou  canst  not  see 


78       Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

True  being  in  the  spirit-realm  as  yet. 

First  thy  sense-body  thou  must  lay  aside 

But  not  the  fine  corporeal  web  of  thought. 

Thou  only  canst  perceive  the  world  in  truth 

When  nothing  of  thy  personality 

Remains  to  cloud  the  clearness  of  thy  sight. 

He  only  who  hath  learned  to  view  his  thoughts 

As  things  outside  himself,  e'en  as  the  seer 

Beholds  his  earthly  form  released  from  him, 

Can  penetrate  to  spirit  verities. 

So  look  upon  this  picture  that  it  may 

Turn  into  knowledge  through  clairvoyant  powers 

Thoughts,  whose  true  being  is  built  up  in  space 

To  forms,  which  mirror  forth  the  thoughts  of  men. 

(A  cheerful  subdued  light  diffuses  itself.  Philia, 
Astrid,  and  Luna  appear  in  glowing  clouds.) 

{Exeunt  Capesius  and  Maria.) 

Voices  {which  sound  together,  spoken  by  Philia,  Astrid, 
and  Luna) : 

Let  thoughts  hover  round 
Like  weaving  of  dreams 
And  build  themselves  in 
To  souls  that  are  here; 
Let  will  that  creates 
And  feeling  that  stirs 
And  thought  that  doth  work 
The  dreamer  arouse — 

{While  this  sounds,  Lucifer  approaches  from  one 
side,  and  Ahriman  from  the  other.  They 
go  to  their  thrones  raised  on  each  side  at  the 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      79 

back  of  the  stage,  facing  the  audience;  Lucifer 
on  the  right  of  the  stage,  Ahriman  on  the 
left.) 

Lucifer  {in  a  loud  voice,  emphasizing  every  word) : 
Within  thy  will  do  cosmic  beings  work. 

{On  Lucifer's  side,  beings  with  golden  hair, 
dressed  in  crimson  and  radiantly  beautiful 
representing  thoughts,  begin  to  move.  These 
carry  out,  in  a  dancing  fashion,  movements 
which  represent  the  forms  of  thought  corre- 
sponding to  Lucifer's  words.) 

Ahriman  {speaking  in  a  loud,  hoarse  voice)'. 
These  cosmic  beings  do  but  puzzle  thee. 

{After  these  words  Lucifer's  group  is  still  and  the 
thought-beings  on  Ahriman' s  side  move  and 
carry  out  dancing  movements  which  make 
forms  corresponding  to  his  words.  They  have 
grey  hair  and  are  clad  in  indigo  blue,  being 
square  in  build,  and  in  appearance  distin- 
guished more  by  force  than  beauty.  After  this 
the  movement  from  both  groups  is  carried  on 
together.) 

Lucifer: 
Within  thy  feeling  cosmic  forces  play. 

{The  thought-beings  on  Lucifer's  side  repeat 
their  movements.) 


8o      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Ahriman: 
The  cosmic  forces  are  but  mocking  thee. 

{The  thought-beings  on  Ahriman' s  side  repeat 
their  movements,  then  again  both  together.) 

Lucifer: 
Within  thy  thinking  cosmic  thought  doth  live. 

{Repetition  of  the  movements  in  Lucifer's  group.) 

Ahriman: 
The  cosmic  thought  doth  but  bewilder  thee. 

{Repetition  of  the  movements  in  Ahriman' s  group. 

{The  movements  of  each  group  are  then  repeated 
four  times  separately  and  thrice  together.) 

{The  thought-beings  vanish  left  and  right;  Lucifer 
and  Ahriman  remain:  Philia,  Luna,  and 
Astrid  advance  from  the  background,  and 
speak  together  the  words  they  spoke  before 
with  the  following  alteration.) 

Philia,  etc.: 

Thoughts  hovered  around 
Like  weaving  of  dreams 
And  built  themselves  in 
To  souls  that  are  here — 
Then  will  that  creates 
And  feeling  that  stirs 
And  thought  that  doth  work 
The  dreamer  aroused — 

{Philia,  Astrid,  and  Luna  vanish.  Enter  Capesius 
in  astral  garb,  and  after  he  has  spoken  a  few 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      8i 

words  Maria  joins  him,  though  at  first  he 
cannot  see  her.) 

Capesius: 
The  soul  lives  out  her  life  within  herself: 
Believes  she  thinks  because  she  does  not  see 
Thoughts  all  spread  out  in  space  in  front  of  her — 
Believes  she  feels,  because  the  feelings  show 
No  flash  like  lightning  leaping  from  the  clouds ; 
She  sees  this  realm  of  space,  and  gazeth  on 
The  clouds  above  her  .    .    .  ;  and  were  this  not  so, 
Supposing  that  the  lightning  were  to  flash, 
And  not  an  eye  looked  up  above  to  see, 
She  needs  must  think  the  lightning  was  in  her. 
She  does  not  see  how  Lucifer  springs  forth 
From  out  her  thoughts,  and  pours  her  feelings  in. 
And  so  believes  she  is  alone  with  them. 
Why  doth  delusion  lead  her  captive  thus  ? 
0  soul,  give  answer  to  thyself  .   .   .  yet  .  .  .  whence? 
From  out  thyself?     Ah,  nay   .   .   ,   perhaps  that,  too, 
Were  answered  .  .  .  not  by  thee  .  .  .  but  Lucifer.  .  . . 

Maria: 
And  if  it  were ;  why  then  shouldst  thou  not  seek  ? 
Go  forth  into  the  deep  to  find  it  there .... 

Capesius: 
A  being  here,  who  hears  the  speech  of  souls  ? 

Maria: 
Souls  are  not  here  divided  each  from  each 
As  when  within  the  body  they  are  pent. 

6 


82      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Here  each  soul  hears  itself  in  other's  speech. 

So  dost  thou  only  speak  unto  thyself 

When  I  say:  'Seek  thine  answer  in  the  deep.' 

Capesius  {hesitatingly) : 
Ah,  in  the  deep  there  threatens  darksome  .    .    .  fear. 

Maria: 
Yea  truly,  fear  is  there :  but  ask  thyself, 
As  thou  hast  forced  thy  way  within  her  realm 
If  she  doth  not  reveal  herself  to  thee. 
Ask  Lucifer,  before  whom  thou  dost  stand 
If  on  thy  weakness  he  is  pouring  fear. 

Lucifer: 
Who  flees  from  me  will  love  me  all  the  same. 
Children  of  Earth  have  loved  me  from  the  first 
And  only  think  that  hatred  is  my  due. 
So  do  they  ever  seek  me  in  my  deeds. 
If  I  had  not  as  ornament  to  life 
Sent  beauty  to  their  souls,  they  would  long  since 
Have  pined  away  in  truth's  cold  empty  forms 
Throughout  the  long  dull  progress  of  the  Earth. 
'Tis  I  who  fill  the  artist's  soul  with  power 
And  whatsoe'er  of  beauty  men  have  seen 
Hath  had  its  prototype  within  my  realm — 
Now  ask  thyself,  if  thou  shouldst  fear  me  still. 

Maria: 
In  these  domains  which  Lucifer  commands 
Fear  hath  not  verily  her  proper  place. 
From  hence  he  must  send  forth  into  men's  souls 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      83 

Not  fear,  but  wishes,  as  his  gifts  to  men. 
Fear  comes  from  quite  another  realm  of  power. 

Ahriman: 
At  birth  I  was  the  equal  of  the  gods. 
Who  have  curtailed  my  many  ancient  rights. 
I  wished  in  such  a  way  to  fashion  men 
For  Lucifer,  my  brother,  and  his  realm. 
That  each  should  bear  his  own  world  in  himself. 
For  Lucifer  as  peer  amongst  his  peers 
Would  only  show  himself  in  spirit-realms. 
In  others  he  but  shows  his  pictured  form 
And  so  could  never  be  a  lord  of  men. 
I  wished  to  give  unto  mankind  such  strength 
That  they  might  grow  to  equal  Lucifer. 
And  had  I  stayed  within  the  realm  of  gods 
This  too  had  been  in  primal  days  fulfilled. 
The  gods  however  willed  to  rule  on  Earth, 
And  from  their  kingdom  they  did  one  day  thrust 
My  power  into  the  depths  of  the  abyss, 
So  that  I  might  not  make  mankind  too  strong. 
And  thus  'tis  only  from  this  place  I  dare 
Send  out  my  powerful  strength  upon  the  Earth. 
But  in  this  way  my  power  turns  into  FEAR. 

(As    Ahriman    finishes    speaking,    Benedictus 
appears.") 

Capesius: 
He  who  hath  heard  what  both  these  two  powers  here 
Spake  from  their  places  out  into  the  worlds 
May  know  from  this  where  he  can  look  and  find 
Both  fear  and  hatred  in  their  own  domains. 


84      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Benedictus: 
In  cosmic  speech  thou  shalt  perceive  thyself; 
And  feel  thyself  in  cosmic  power  of  thought. 
And  as  thou  now  didst  see  outside  thyself 
What  thou  didst  dream  was  all  thine  inmost  self, 
So  find  thyself,  and  shudder  now  no  more 
At  that  one  word  thou  hast  a  right  to  use 
To  prove  thine  own  existence  to  thyself — 

Capesius: 
So  once  more  I  belong  to  mine  own  self 
Now  will  I  seek  myself,  because  I  dare 
To  see  myself  in  cosmic  thought  and  live. 

Benedictus: 
And  thou  must  add  all  this  which  thou  hast  won 
To  victories  of  old  to  give  the  world. 

{Dame  Balde  in  her  ordinary  dress  appears  in  the 
background  beside  Benedictus.) 

Dame  Balde  {in  a  meditative  voice  suitable  for  fairy 
tales) : 

Once  on  a  time  there  lived  a  child  of  God 
Who  had  affinity  with  those  who  weave 
The  thoughtful  wisdom  of  the  spirit-realms. 
This  child,  brought  up  by  truth's  almighty  Sire 
Grew  up  within  his  realm  to  ancient  strength. 
And  when  his  body,  radiant  with  light, 
Did  feel  his  ripened  will  creative  stir 
He  often  looked  with  pity  on  the  Earth 
Where  souls  of  men  were  striving  after  truth. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      85 

Then  to  the  Sire  of  truth  the  child  would  say : 

'  The  souls  of  men  are  thirsting  for  the  drink 

Which  thou  canst  hand  to  them  from  out  thy  springs.  * 

With  earnest  speech  the  Sire  of  truth  replied : 

'  The  springs,  of  which  I  am  appointed  guard, 

Let  light  stream  forth  from  out  the  spirit-suns ; 

Only  such  beings  dare  to  drink  the  light 

As  need  not  thirst  for  air  that  they  may  breathe. 

Therefore  in  light  have  I  brought  up  a  child 

Who  can  feel  pity  for  the  souls  on  Earth 

And  manifest  the  light  'midst  breathing  men. 

So  turn  and  go  unto  mankind  and  bring 

The  light  that's  in  their  souls  to  meet  my  light 

Enfilled  with  confidence  and  spirit-life.' 

So  then  the  shining  light-child  turned,  and  went 

To  souls  who  keep  themselves  alive  by  breath. 

And  many  good  men  found  he  on  the  Earth, 

Who  offered  him  with  joy  their  souls'  abode. 

These  souls  he  turned  to  gaze  with  grateful  love 

Upon  their  Sire  who  dwells  in  springs  of  light. 

And  when  the  child  heard  from  the  lips  of  men 

And  joyous  mind  of  men,  the  magic  word 

Oi  fantasy,  he  knew  himself  alive 

Dwelling  with  gladness  in  the  hearts  of  men. 

But  one  sad  day  there  came  unto  the  child 

A  man  who  cast  upon  him  chilling  looks. 

'  I  turn  the  souls  of  men  on  earth  toward 

The  Sire  of  truth  who  dwells  in  springs  of  light — ' 

Thus  to  the  strange  man  did  the  light-child  speak — 

The  man  replied :  *  Thou  dost  but  weave  wild  dreams 

Into  men's  spirits,  and  deceiv'st  their  souls.' 

And  since  the  day  which  witnessed  this  event 


86      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

The  child  who  can  bring  light  to  breathing  souls 
Hath  often  suffered  slander  from  mankind. 

{Philia,   Astrid,   Luna,   and  the   Other  Philia 
appear  in  a  cloud  of  light.) 


Philia: 


Astrid: 


Now  let  every  soul 
That  drinks  of  the  light 
Awake  to  full  power 
In  cosmic  expanse. 

So  too  let  the  spirit 
That  knoweth  no  fear 
Arise  in  full  power 
In  cosmic  domains. 


Luna: 


Let  man  who  doth  strive 
To  reach  to  the  heights 
Hold  firm  with  full  strength 
To  innermost  self. 

The  Other  Philia: 

Let  man  struggle  on 
To  him  who  bears  light 
And  opens  out  worlds 
Which  quicken  in  men 
The  sense  of  delight. 
This  beauty  so  bright 
Awakened  in  souls, 
Inspired  to  admire, 
The  spirit  leads  on 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      87 

To  realms  of  the  gods. 
Achievement  consoles 
The  feelings  that  dare 
The  threshold  to  tread, 
Which  strictly  doth  guard 
'Gainst  souls  that  feel  fear. 
And  energy  finds 
A  will  that  grows  ripe 
And  fearless  doth  stand 
'Fore  powers  that  create 
And  fashion  the  worlds. 

Curtain  falls  whilst  Benedictus,  Capesius,  Maria,  Dame 
Balde,  Lucifer,  and  Ahriman,  and  the  four  Soul- 
forms,  are  still  in  their  places. 


Scene  7 

A  landscape  composed  of  fantastic  forms.  This  picture 
of  blazing  fire  on  one  side  of  the  stage  with  rushing 
water  on  the  other  whirled  into  living  forms  is  in- 
tended to  suggest  the  sublime.  In  the  centre  a  chasm 
belching  forth  fire  which  leaps  up  into  a  kind  of  bar- 
rier of  fire  and  water.  The  Guardian  of  the  Thresh- 
old stands  in  the  centre  with  flaming  sword  erect. 
His  costume  is  the  conventional  angelic  garb.  The 
Guardian,  Thomasius,  Maria,  later  on  Lucifer  and 
then  the  other  Philia. 

The  Guardian: 
What  unchecked  wish  doth  sound  within  mine  ear? 
So  storm  men's  souls  when  first  approaching  me 
E'er  they  have  fully  gained  tranquillity. 
It  is  desire  that  really  leads  such  men 
And  not  creative  power  which  dares  to  speak 
Since  it  in  silence  could  itself  create. 
The  souls  which  thus  comport  themselves  when  here 
I  needs  must  relegate  again  to  Earth, 
For  in  the  Spirit-realm  they  can  but  sow 
Confusion,  and  do  but  disturb  the  deeds 
Which  cosmic  powers  have  wisely  foreordained. 
Such  men  can  also  injiu*e  their  own  selves 
Who  form  destructive  passions  in  their  hearts 

88 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      89 

Which  are  mistaken  for  creative  powers, 
Since  they  must  take  delusion  for  the  truth 
When  earthly  darkness  no  more  shelters  them. 
(Thomasius  and  Maria  appear.) 

Thomasius: 
Thou  dost  not  see  upon  thy  threshold  now 
The  soul  of  h  im  who  was  the  pupil  once 
Of  Benedictus,  and  came  oft  to  thee, 
Thomasius,  although  upon  the  Earth 
It  had  to  call  Thomasius'  form  its  own. 
He  came  to  thee,  his  thirst  for  knowledge  quenched 
And  could  not  bear  to  have  thee  near  to  him. 
He  hid  in  his  own  personality 
When  he  felt  near  thee,  and  thus  oft  did  see 
Worlds  which,  he  thought,  made  clear  the  origin 
Of  all  existence  and  the  goal  of  life. 
He  found  the  happiness  of  knowledge  there 
And  also  powers  which  to  the  artist  gave 
That  which  directed  both  his  hand  and  heart 
Toward  creation's  source,  so  that  he  felt 
There  truly  lived  within  him  cosmic  powers. 
Which  held  him  steady  to  his  artist's  work. 
He  did  not  know  that  nought  before  him  stood 
In  all  that  he  created  through  his  thought 
Except  the  living  content  of  his  soul. 
Like  spiders,  spinning  webs  around  themselves 
So  did  he  work,  and  thought  himself  the  world. 
Indeed  he  once  thought  that  Maria  stood 
Opposed  to  him  in  spirit,  till  he  saw 
That  picture  she  had  graven  on  his  soul 
Which  then  as  spirit  did  reveal  itself. 


90      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

And  when  he  was  allowed  a  moment's  glimpse 

Of  his  own  being,  as  it  really  was, 

He  gladly  would  have  fled  away  from  self; 

He  thought  himself  a  spirit  but  he  found 

He  was  a  creature  but  of  flesh  and  blood. 

He  learned  to  know  the  power  of  this  same  blood; 

'Twas  there  in  truth,  the  rest  was  but  a  shade. 

Blood  was  his  teacher  true;  and  this  alone 

Gave  him  clear  vision,  and  revealed  to  him 

Who  was  his  sire  and  who  his  sister  dear 

In  long  forgotten  ages  on  the  Earth. 

To  blood-relations  his  blood  guided  him. 

Then  did  he  see  how  strongly  souls  of  men 

Must  be  deceived  when  they  in  vanity 

Would  rise  to  spirit  from  the  life  of  sense. 

Such  effort  truly  binds  the  soul  more  firm 

To  sense-existence  than  a  daily  life. 

Dull  hiiman  dream  existence  following. 

And  when  Thomasius  could  view  all  this 

Before  his  soul  as  being  his  own  state 

He  gave  himself  with  vigour  to  that  power 

Which  could  not  lie  to  him  although  as  yet 

'Twas  but  revealed  in  picture,  for  he  knew 

That  Lucifer  himself  is  really  there 

E'en  if  he  can  but  show  his  pictured  form. 

The  gods  desire  to  draw  near  to  mankind 

Through  truth  alone;  but  Lucifer — to  him 

It  matters  not  if  men  see  false  or  true. 

He  ever  will  remain  the  same  himself. 

And  therefore  I  acknowledge  that  I  feel 

I  have  attained  reality  when  I 

Believe  that  I  must  search  and  find  the  soul 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      91 

Which  in  his  own  realm  he  did  bind  to  mine. 

{To  the  Guardian.) 
So  armed  with  all  the  strength  which  he  bestows 
I  mean  to  pass  thee  and  to  penetrate 
To  Theodora  whom  I  know  to  be 
Within  the  realm  that  o'er  this  threshold  lies. 


The  Guardian: 
Thomasius,  think  well  what  thou  dost  know. 
What  o'er  this  threshold  lives  is  all  unknown; 
Yet  dost  thou  know  quite  well  all  I  must  ask, 
Before  thou  canst  set  foot  within  this  realm. 
Thou  must  first  part  with  many  of  those  powers 
Which  thou  hast  won  when  in  thine  earthly  frame. 
Out  of  them  all  thou  canst  alone  retain 
That  which  by  efforts,  pure  and  spiritual, 
Thou  didst  achieve,  and  which  thou  hast  kept  pure. 
But  this  thou  hast  thyself  cast  off  from  thee 
And  given  as  his  own  to  Ahriman. 
What  still  is  thine  hath  been  by  Lucifer 
Destroyed  for  use  within  the  spirit-world. 
This  too  upon  the  threshold  I  must  take 
If  thou  wouldst  really  pass  this  portal  by. 
So  nought  remains  to  thee ;  a  lifeless  life 
Must  be  thy  lot  within  the  spirit-realms. 

Thomasius: 
Yet  I  shall  he  and  Theodora  find. 
She'll  be  for  me  the  source  of  fullest  light, 
Which  ever  hath  so  richly  been  revealed 
Unto  her  soul,  apart  from  lore  of  Earth. 


92      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

That  is  enough.     And  thou  wilt  set  thyself 
In  vain  against  me,  even  if  the  power 
Which  I  myself  have  won  upon  the  Earth 
Should  not  fulfil  the  estimate  which  thou 
Didst  form  of  my  good  spirit  long  ago. 

Maria  (to  the  Guardian) : 
Thou  knowest  well,  who  hast  been  guardian 
Of  this  realm's  threshold  since  the  world  began 
What  beings  need  to  cross  the  threshold  o'er 
Who  to  thy  kind  and  to  thy  time  belong: 
So  too  with  men,  who  meet  thee  at  this  gate 
If  they  do  come  alone,  and  cannot  show 
That  they  have  done  true  spirit-good  they  must 
Go  back  again  from  here  to  life  on  Earth. 
But  this  man  here  hath  been  allowed  to  bring 
That  other  soul  unto  thy  threshold  now 
Whom  fate  hath  bound  so  closely  with  his  own. 
Thou  hast  been  ordered  by  high  spirit  powers 
To  keep  back  many  men  from  here,  who  would 
Try  to  approach  the  gateway  of  this  realm 
And  would  but  bring  destruction  on  themselves 
If  they  should  dare  to  pass  the  threshold  o'er. 
Yet  thou  may'st  throw  it  open  unto  those 
Who  through  their  inmost  personaHty 
Are  in  the  spirit-realms  inclined  to  love. 
And  to  such  love  can  cling  as  they  press  through, 
As  hath  been  foreordained  them  by  the  gods 
Before  to  battle  Lucifer  came  forth. 
Standing  before  his  throne  my  heart  hath  vowed 
With  strictest  oath,  that  in  Earth's  futiure  times 
It  would  so  serve  this  love  that  Lucifer, 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      93 

When  he  gives  knowledge  of  it  to  men's  souls 

Can  do  no  harm.     And  those  who  listen  well 

For  the  revealing  of  this  love  divine 

With  earnest  minds,  as  once  they  strove  to  grasp 

The  knowledge  given  forth  by  Lucifer, 

They  must  inevitably  find  themselves. 

Johannes  in  his  earthly  form  doth  now 

No  longer  listen  to  my  voice,  as  once, 

When  in  an  earthly  life  long  since  passed  by 

I  was  enabled  to  reveal  to  him 

That  which  had  been  entrusted  to  myself 

In  holy  temples  in  Hibernia 

By  that  same  God  Who  dwells  within  mankind 

And  Who  once  conquered  all  the  powers  of  death 

Because  He  lived  love's  life  so  perfectly. 

My  friend  will  once  again  in  spirit-realms 

Discern  the  words  which  come  forth  from  my  soul 

But  which  were  hindered  from  his  earthly  ears 

By  Lucifer  and  his  delusive  power. 

Thomasius    (as  one    who  perceives    some   spiritual 
being) : 
Maria,  dost  thou  see,  clad  in  long  cloak 
That  dignified  old  man,  his  solemn  face, 
His  noble  brow,  the  flashing  of  his  glance  ? 
He  passeth  through  the  streets,  'mid  crowds  of  men 
Yet  each  doth  step  aside  in  reverence 
That  yon  old  man  may  go  his  way  in  peace. 
And  lest  his  train  of  thought  be  rudely  stirred. 
For  one  can  see  that,  wrapped  within  himself 
He  meditates  with  powerful  inmost  thought. 
Maria,  dost  thou  see? 


94      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Maria: 

Yea,  I  can  see, 
When  through  the  eyes  of  thine  own  soul  I  look. 
But  'tis  to  thee  alone  that  he  would  now 
Reveal  himself  in  scenes  significant. 

Thomasius: 
I  now  can  see  into  his  very  soul. 
Things  full  of  meaning  lie  within  its  depths 
And  memory  of  something  he's  just  heard. 
Before  his  eyes  there  stands  a  teacher  wise. 
He  lets  the  words  which  he  hath  heard  from  him 
Pass  through  his  soul ;  it  is  from  him  he  comes. 
His  thinking  scans  the  very  source  of  life; 
As  once  mankind  in  olden  times  on  Earth 
Might  stand  quite  near  and  view  the  spirit-scenes, 
Although  their  soul-life  was  but  like  a  dream; 
The  old  man's  soul  doth  trace  that  line  of  thought 
Which  from  his  honoured  teacher  he  hath  learned. 
And  now  he  disappears  from  my  soul's  sight ; 
Ah,  if  I  could  but  watch  his  further  steps. 
I  see  men  speaking  with  each  other  now 
Among  the  crowd;  and  I  can  hear  their  words. 
They  speak  of  that  old  man  with  reverence  deep. 
In  his  young  days  he  was  a  soldier  brave; 
Ambition,  and  desire  to  be  renowned 
Were  burning  in  his  soul;  he  wished  to  count 
As  foremost  warrior  within  his  ranks. 
In  battle's  service  he  did  perpetrate 
Unnumbered  gruesome  deeds  through  thirst  for  fame. 
And  in  his  life  full  many  a  time  it  chanced 
He  caused  much  blood  to  flow  upon  the  earth. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      95 

At  last  there  came  a  day  when  suddenly 

The  luck  of  battle  turned  its  back  on  him. 

He  left  the  battlefield  in  bitter  shame 

To  enter  his  own  home,  a  man  disgraced; 

Scorn  and  derision  were  his  lot  in  life, 

And  from  that  time  wild  hatred  filled  his  soul 

Which  had  not  lost  its  pride  and  love  of  fame. 

He  looked  upon  his  boon-companions  now 

Only  as  enemies  to  be  destroyed 

As  soon  as  opportunity  occurred. 

But  since  the  man's  proud  soul  was  soon  compelled 

To  recognize  that  vengeance  on  his  foes 

Would  not  be  possible  for  him  in  life. 

He  learned  the  victory  o'er  his  own  self 

And  vanquished  all  his  pride  and  love  of  fame. 

He  even  made  resolve  in  his  old  age 

A  circle  small  of  pupils  to  attend 

Which  had  arisen  then  within  his  town. 

The  man  who  was  the  teacher  of  this  band 

Was  in  his  soul  possessed  of  all  the  lore 

Which  by  the  masters  in  much  older  days 

Had  been  delivered  to  initiates — 

All  this  I  hear  from  men  within  the  crowd. 

It  fills  me  with  warm  love  when  I  behold 

With  my  soul's  sight,  this  aged  man,  who  thus 

After  the  victories  which  love  of  fame 

Had  won  for  him  could  even  then  achieve 

The  greatest  human  task — to  conquer  self — 

Therefore  do  I  perceive  within  this  place 

The  man  to  whom  I  wholly  give  myself, 

Although  I  see  him  but  in  pictured  form. 

This  feeling  howsoe'er  it  comes  to  me 


96      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Is  not  a  moment's  work.    Through  lives  long  past 

I  must  have  been  in  closest  union  joined 

Unto  a  soul  I  love  as  I  love  him. 

I  have  not  in  this  moment  roused  in  me 

A  love  so  strong  as  that  which  now  I  feel; 

It  is  a  recollection  from  past  times; 

Nor  can  I  grasp  it  with  my  thought  as  yet, — 

Though  memory  calls  these  feelings  back  to  me. 

Surely  I  once  was  pupil  of  this  man 

And  full  of  awe  and  wonder  gazed  on  him? 

Oh,  how  I  long  once  more  in  this  same  hour 

To  meet  the  earthly  soul  which  formerly 

Could  speak  about  this  body  as  its  own, 

No  matter  if  on  Earth  or  otherwhere. 

Then  would  I  prove  the  strength  with  which  I  love; 

What  noble  human  ties  did  once  create 

This  can  good  powers  alone  renew  in  me. 

Maria: 
Art  thou  quite  sure,  Johannes,  that  this  soul 
If  it  approached  thee  now  would  show  itself 
Upon  the  same  bright  height  whereon  it  stood 
In  those  old  days  just  pictured  'fore  thy  soul? 
Perchance  it  now  is  chained  a  prisoner 
By  feelings  all  unworthy  of  its  past. 
Many  a  man  now  walks  upon  the  Earth 
Who  would  be  filled  with  shame,  if  he  could  see 
How  little  in  his  present  mode  of  life 
Doth  correspond  with  that  which  once  he  was. 
Perchance  this  man  hath  wallowed  in  the  mire 
Of  lust  and  passion,  and  thou  saw'st  him  now 
Oppressed  by  consternation  and  remorse. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold      97 

Thomasius: 
Maria,  why  dost  thou  suggest  such  words? 
I  cannot  see  what  leads  thee  so  to  speak. 
For  thoughts  have  here  quite  other  influence, 
Than  in  the  places  where  that  man  hath  lived. 

The  Guardian: 
Johannes,  that  which  here  within  this  place 
Reveals  itself  is  proving  of  thy  soul. 
Gaze  on  the  groundwork  of  thy  self,  and  see 
What  thou,  unknowing,  willst  and  canst  perform. 
All  that  was  hidden  in  thine  inmost  depths 
While  thou  wert  living  with  thy  soul  still  blind] 

{Lucifer  appears.) 
Will  now  appear  and  rob  thee  of  the  dark 
In  whose  protection  thou  wast  living  then. 
So  now  perceive  what  human  soul  it  is 
To  whom  thou  dost  bow  down  in  ardent  love. 
And  who  indwelt  the  body  thou  didst  see. 
Perceive  to  whom  thy  strongest  love  is  given. 

Lucifer: 
Sink  thyself  deep  in  depths  of  thine  own  self; 
Perceive  the  strongest  powers  of  thine  own  soul ; 
And  learn  to  know  how  this  strong  love  of  thine 
Can  hold  thee  upright  in  the  cosmic  life. 

Thomasius: 
Yea',  now  I  feel  the  soul  that  wished  to  show 
Itself  to  me — 'tis  Theodora's  self — 
'Twas  she  who  wished  to  be  revealed  to  me. 
She  stood  before  me  since  'tis  her  I'll  see 

7 


98      Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

When  I  have  gained  an  entrance  through  this  gate. 

'Tis  right  to  love  her,  for  her  soul  did  stand 

Before  me  in  that  other  body-form 

Which  showed  me  how  'tis  her  that  I  must  love. 

Through  thee  alone  will  I  now  find  myself 

And  win  the  future,  fighting  in  thy  strength. 

The  Guardian: 
I  cannot  keep  thee  back  from  what  must  be. 
In  pictured  form  thou  hast  already  seen 
The  soul  thou  lovest  best;  her  shalt  thou  see 
When  thou  hast  crossed  the  threshold  of  this  realm. 
Perceive,  and  let  experience  decide 
If  it  shall  prove  so  healing  as  thou  dream'st. 

The  Other  Philia: 
Ah,  heed  thou  not  the  guardian  strict 
Who  leadeth  thee  to  wastes  of  life 
And  robs  thee  of  thy  warmth  of  soul; 
He  can  but  see  the  spirit-forms, 
And  knoweth  naught  of  human  woe 
Which  souls  can  only  then  endure 
When  earthly  love  doth  guard  them  safe 
From  chilling  cosmic  space. 
Strictness  to  him  belongs, 
From  him  doth  kindness  flee, 
And  power  to  wish 
He  hath  abhorred 
Since  first  the  Earth  began. 

Curtain 


Scene  8 

Ahriman's  Kingdom.  No  sky  is  visible.  A  dark  en- 
closure like  a  mountain  gorge  whose  black  masses 
of  rock  tower  up  in  fantastic  forms,  divided  by 
streams  of  fire.  Skeletons  are  visible  everywhere; 
they  appear  to  be  crystallized  out  of  the  mountain, 
but  are  white.  Their  attitude  suggests  the  habitual 
egoism  of  their  last  life.  Prominent  on  one  side  is  a 
miser  and  on  the  other  a  massive  glutton  etc.,  etc. 
Ahriman  is  seated  on  a  rock.  Hilary,  Frederick 
Trustworthy,  then  the  Twelve  who  were  gathered 
together  in  the  first  scene;  then  Strader;  later  on 
Thomasius  and  Maria;  last  of  all  Thomasius^ 
Double. 

Trustworthy: 
How  often  have  I  trod  this  realm  before. — 
And  yet  how  horrible  it  seems  to  me 
That  e'en  from  here  we  must  so  often  fetch 
The  wise  direction  for  full  many  a  plan 
Which  is  important  for  us  and  our  league 
And  points  significantly  to  our  aims. 

Hilary: 
The  grain  of  corn  must  fall  to  earth  and  die 
Before  the  life  within  it  can  return. 

99 


100     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

All  that  in  earthly  life  hath  run  to  waste 
Shall  here  unto  new  being  be  transformed. 
And  when  our  league  desires  to  plant  the  seeds 
Of  human  acts,  to  ripen  in  due  course, 
'Tis  from  the  dead  that  we  must  fetch  the  grain. 

Trustworthy: 
Uncanny  is  the  lord  who  here  bears  rule; 
And  if  it  were  not  written  in  our  books. 
Which  are  the  greatest  treasures  of  our  shrine, 
That  he  whom  here  we  often  meet,  is  good, 
One  would  indeed  as  evil  reckon  him. 

Hilary: 
Not  only  books,  but  e'en  my  spirit-sight 
Declares  that  what  is  here  revealed  is  good. 

Ahriman  {in  a  feigned  voice,  sardonically): 
I  know  why  ye  are  gathered  here  again. 
Ye  would  discover  from  me  how  'twere  best 
To  guide  the  soul  of  him  who  oft  before 
Hath  stood  upon  the  threshold  of  your  shrine. 
Because  ye  think  Thomasius  is  lost 
Ye  now  believe  that  Strader  is  the  man 
To  do  you  service  in  the  mystic  league. 
What  he  hath  won  for  progress  of  mankind 
By  use  of  powers  which  follow  nature's  laws, 
For  this  he  oweth  thanks  to  me,  since  I 
Hold  sway  where  powers  mechanical  obtain 
Strength  for  themselves  from  their  creative  founts. 
So  all  that  he  may  do  to  help  mankind 
It  needs  must  turn  itself  unto  my  realm. 
But  this  time  I  myself  will  see  to  it 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     loi 

That  what  I  wish  shall  happen  to  this  man 
In  future,  since  ye  lost  Thomasius 
By  your  own  work  through  leaving  me  aside. 
If  ye  desire  to  serve  the  spirit-powers 
Ye  first  must  conquer  for  yourselves  those  powers 
Which  in  this  case  ye  tried  to  cast  aside, 
(Ahriman  becomes  invisible.) 

Trustworthy  (after  a  pause,  during  which  he  has  with- 
drawn into  himself) : 
Exalted  Master,  care  oppresseth  me 
Though  I  have  striven  long  to  banish  it. 
For  this  is  laid  upon  me  by  strict  rules 
Which  have  been  ordered  for  us  by  our  league. 
But  much  that  shows  the  life  of  this  same  league 
Hath  made  the  struggle  in  my  soul  severe; 
Yet  would  I  ever  thankfully  submit 
My  darkness  to  the  spirit-light,  which  thou 
Art  capable  of  giving  through  thy  powers. 
But  when  I  must  full  often  clearly  see 
Thou  wert  a  victim  of  delusion's  snare 
And  how  thy  words,  e'en  as  events  fell  out, 
Did  often  prove  so  grievously  at  fault. 
Then  have  I  felt  as  though  some  wicked  elf 
Were  resting  painfully  upon  my  soul. 
And  this  time  also  are  thy  words  at  fault. 
Thou  couldst  have  reckoned  that  we  certainly 
Should  hear  good  tidings  from  this  spirit  here. 

Hilary: 
'Tis  hard  to  understand  the  cosmic  ways. 
My  brother,  we  are  well-advised  to  wait 


102     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Until  the  spirit  indicates  the  way 

Which  is  ordained  for  that  which  we  create. 

{Exeunt  Hilary  and  Trustworthy.) 

Ahriman  (who  has  re-appeared) : 
They  see,  but  do  not  recognize  me  yet ; 
For  had  they  known  who  rules  within  this  place 
They  certainly  would  not  have  ventured  here 
To  seek  direction ;  and  they  would  condemn 
To  age-long  pains  of  hell  that  human  soul 
Of  whom,  they  heard,  that  it  did  visit  me. 

{All  the  persons  who  at  the  beginning  of  the 
play  were  assembled  in  the  ante-room 
of  the  mystic  league  now  appear  on  the 
scene;  they  are  blindfolded  to  show  their 
ignorance  of  the  fact  that  they  are  in  Ahri- 
man's  kingdom.  The  words  they  speak  live 
in  their  souls,  but  they  know  nothing  of  them. 
They  are  experiencing  during  sleep  uncon- 
scious dreams  which  are  audible  in  Ahri- 
man's  kingdom.  Strader,  who  also  appears, 
is  however  semi-conscious  with  regard  to  all 
that  he  experiences,  so  that  later  on  he  will 
be  able  to  recollect  it.) 

Strader: 
The  hint  that  Benedictus  gave  to  me 
That  I  should  cultivate  my  power  of  thought. 
Hath  led  me  to  this  kingdom  of  the  dead. 
Although  I  hoped  that  raised  to  spirit-realms 
I  should  find  truth  on  wisdom's  sun-clad  heights. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     103 

Ahriman: 
What  thou  canst  learn  of  wisdom  in  this  place 
Thou  wilt  find  all-sufficient  for  long  time, 
If  here  thou  dost  comport  thyself  aright. 

Strader: 
Before  what  spirit  doth  my  soul  then  stand  ? 

Ahriman: 
That  shalt  thou  know  when  memory  presently 
Can  call  again  to  thee  what  here  thou  see'st. 

Strader: 
And  all  these  folk,  why  do  I  find  them  here 
Within  thy  darksome  realm? 

Ahriman: 

'Tis  but  as  souls 
That  they  are  in  this  place :  they  do  not  know 
Aught  of  themselves  when  here,  since  in  their  homes 
Sunk  now  in  deepest  sleep  they  would  be  found. 
But  here  quite  clearly  all  will  be  revealed 
That  lives  within  their  souls,  though  they  would  scarce 
On  waking  think  such  thoughts  could  be  their  own. 
So  too,  they  cannot  hear  us  when  we  speak. 

Louisa  Fear-God: 
The  soul  should  not  in  blind  devotion  think 
That  it  can  raise  itself  in  haughty  pride 
Up  to  the  light,  or  that  it  can  unfold 
Unto  its  full  extent  its  own  true  self. 
I  will  but  recognize  what  I  do  know. 


104    Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Ahriman  (only  audible  to  Strader) : 
And  dost  not  know  how  bluntly  thou  dost  lead 
In  haughty  pride  thyself  into  the  dark. 
She  too  will  serve  thee,  Strader,  in  the  work 
That  thou  hast  wrung  so  boldly  from  my  powers. 
She  doth  not  need  for  that  the  spirit-faith 
Which  seems  so  ill-accorded  with  her  pride. 

Frederick  Clear-Mind: 
Entrancing  are  indeed  these  mystic  paths; 
Nor  will  I  henceforth  fail  in  diligence. 
But  give  myself  completely  to  the  lore 
That  I  can  gather  from  the  Temple's  words. 

Michael  Nobleman: 
The  impulse  after  truth  within  my  soul 
Is  drawing  me  toward  the  spirit-light ; 
The  noble  teaching  which  now  shines  so  clear 
In  human  life,  will  surely  find  that  I 
Am  the  best  pupil  that  it  ever  had. 

George  Candid: 
I  ever  have  been  deeply  moved  by  all 
That  hath  revealed  itself  from  many  a  source 
Of  noble  mystic  spirit-treasuries. 
With  all  my  heart  would  I  yet  further  strive. 

Ahriman  {audible  only  to  Strader) : 
Such  men  mean  well :  yet  doth  their  striving  stay 
But  in  the  upper  layers  of  their  souls. 
And  so  can  I  make  use  for  many  years 
Of  all  these  mighty  treasures  which  lie  hid 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     105 

Unconsciously  within  their  spirits'  depths. 
They  too  seem  useful  to  my  constant  aim 
That  Strader's  work  in  mankind's  life  on  earth 
Shall  with  proud  brilliance  unfold  itself. 

Mary  Steadfast: 
A  healthy  view  of  life  will  of  itself 
Bring  to  the  soul  the  fruits  of  spirit-realms 
When  men  join  reverence  for  the  universe 
To  a  clear  view  of  sense-reality. 

Ahriman  (audible  only  to  S trader) : 
She  speaks  in  dreams  of  this  reality; 
She'll  dream  so  much  the  better  when  she  wakes. 
Yet  she  will  be  of  little  service  now. 
Perchance  in  her  next  life  she'll  help  me  more, 
For  then  she  will  appear  as  occultist 
And  as  need  may  arise  will  teach  mankind 
About  their  life  since  first  the  Earth  began. 
And  yet  she  scarce  will  treasure  truth  aright; 
In  former  lives  she  oft  did  Strader  chide 
And  now  she  praiseth  him :  so  doth  she  change, 
And  Lucifer  will  be  more  glad  of  her. 

Francesca  Humble: 
The  solemn  mystic  kingdom  will  one  day 
Be  pictured  by  mankind  as  one  great  whole. 
When  thought  through  feeling  shall  express  itself 
And  feeling  let  itself  be  led  by  thought. 

Katharine  Counsel: 
Mankind,  'tis  true,  doth  strive  to  see  the  light; 
But  strange  indeed  the  methods  he  pursues. 


io6     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

For  first  he  quencheth  it,  and  is  surprised 
That  he  can  find  it  nowhere  in  the  dark. 

Ahriman  {audible  only  to  Strader) : 
So  too  with  souls :  they  find  it  good  to  talk 
As  voicing  the  well-being  of  their  mind, 
But  underneath  they  fail  in  constancy. 
Such  are  for  me  quite  unapproachable. 
And  yet  they  will  in  future  much  achieve 
From  which  I'll  reap  a  harvest  of  good  fruit. 
They  are  by  no  means  what  they  think  themselves. 

Bernard  Straight: 
If  knowledge  is  not  gained  through  cautious  search 
Then  fantasy  brings  nought  but  airy  forms 
To  solve  the  riddle  of  the  universe. 
Which  only  can  be  mastered  by  strict  thought. 

Erminia  Stay-at-Home: 
The  cosmic  substance  must  for  ever  change 
That  all  existence  may  unfold  itself; 
And  he  who  fain  would  keep  all  things  the  same 
Will  lack  the  power  to  understand  life's  aims. 

Gasper  Hotspur: 
To  live  in  fantasy,  doth  only  mean 
To  rob  men's  souls  of  every  power  in  life 
Through  which  they  can  grow  strong  to  serve  themselves 
And  do  true  service  to  their  fellow  men. 

Mary  Dauntless: 
The  soul  that  would  but  burden  its  own  self 
Should  form  itself  through  outside  powers  alone; 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     107 

True  men  will  only  seek  development 
From  out  their  hidden  personalities. 

Ahriman  (audible  only  to  Strader) : 
It  is  but  human  what  these  souls  conceal. 
One  cannot  tell  what  they  may  yet  achieve ; 
For  Lucifer  may  try  his  power  on  them, 
And  make  them  think  they  are  but  working  out 
Each  his  own  powers  of  soul  with  steadfast  aim; 
And  so  perchance  he  hath  not  lost  them  yet. 

Fox: 
He  who  would  cosmic  riddles  rightly  read 
Must  wait  till  understanding  and  right  thought 
Reveal  themselves  through  powers  within  his  life, 
And  he  who  fain  would  find  his  way  aright 
Must  seize  all  he  can  use  that  gives  him  joy. 
Above  all  else  the  search  for  wisdom's  lore 
To  give  high  aims  to  weak  humanity — 
This  leads  to  nothing  on  this  Earth  of  ours. 

Ahriman  {audible  only  to  Strader) : 
He  hath  been  chosen  as  philosopher. 
And  such  he  will  appear  in  his  next  life — 
With  him  I  do  but  balance  my  account. 
Seven  of  twelve  I  ever  need  myself 
And  five  I  give  to  Brother  Lucifer. 
From  time  to  time  I  take  account  of  men 
And  see  both  what  they  are  and  what  they  do. 
And  when  I  once  have  chosen  out  my  twelve 
I  do  not  need  to  search  for  any  more. 


io8     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

For  if  I  come  in  niunber  to  thirteen 

The  last  is  just  exactly  like  the  first. 

When  I  have  got  these  twelve  within  my  realm 

And  can  through  their  soul-nature  fashion  them, 

Then  others  too  must  ever  follow  them. 

{To  himself;  holding  his  hands  over  Strader^s 
ears  so  that  he  shall  not  hear.) 
True,  none  of  this  have  I  achieved  as  yet, 
Since  Earth  refused  to  give  herself  to  me. 
But  I  shall  strive  throughout  eternity, 
^  Until — perchance — I  gain  the  victory. 
One  must  make  use  of  what  is  not  yet  lost. 

{The  following  so  that  it  is  again  audible  to 
Strader) : 
Thou  seest  I  do  not  flatter  with  fine  words, 
Indeed  I  do  not  wish  to  please  mankind. 
He  who  would  inspiration  seek  for  lofty  aims 
In  speech  well-regulated  and  arranged. 
Needs  must  betake  himself  to  other  worlds. 
But,  who  with  reason  and  a  sense  for  truth 
Perceives  the  things  which  here  I  bring  to  pass, 
He  can  acknowledge  that  it  is  with  me 
The  powers  are  found,  without  which  human  souls 
Must  lose  themselves  whilst  living  on  the  Earth. 
The  very  worlds  of  gods  make  use  of  me. 
And  only  seek  to  draw  souls  from  my  grasp 
When  I  grow  active  in  their  own  domain. 
And  then  if  my  opponent  doth  succeed 
In  leading  men  astray  with  this  belief 
That  my  existence  hath  been  proved  to  be 
Unnecessary  for  the  universe, 
»  Note. — Very  solemn  and  slow. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     109 

Then  souls  may  dream  indeed  of  higher  worlds, 
But  strength  and  power  decay  in  earthly  life. 

Strader: 
Thou  seest  in  me  one  who  would  follow  thee 
And  give  his  powers  to  thee  to  use  at  will. 
What  I  have  witnessed  here  doth  seem  to  show 
That  all  that  makes  mankind  thine  enemy 
Is  lack  of  reason's  power  and  strength  of  mind. 
In  truth  thou  didst  not  flatter  with  fine  words; 
For  thou  didst  well-nigh  mock  these  poor  weak  men 
When  it  did  please  thee  to  portray  their  fate. 

I  must  confess  that  it  seems  good  to  me 
What  thou  wouldst  give  unto  the  souls  of  men, 
For  they  will  only  be  enriched  with  strength 
For  what  is  good  through  thee,  and  will  but  gain 
That  which  is  bad,  if  they  were  bad  before. 
If  only  men  did  better  know  themselves 
They  must  for  certain  feel  with  all  their  hearts 
The  bitter  scorn  that  thou  dost  cast  on  them. 

But  what  is  here  wrung  forth  from  out  my  soul  ? 
I  speak  such  words  as  would  destroy  my  life 
If  on  the  Earth  I  found  that  they  were  true. 

Thou  must  so  think;  I  cannot  otherwise 
Than  find  that  what  thou  hast  just  said  is  true; 
Yet  'tis  but  truth  when  in  this  realm  of  thine: 
It  would  be  error  for  the  world  of  Earth 
If  it  prove  there  to  be  what  it  seems  here. 
I  must  no  further  trace  my  himian  thoughts 
Within  this  place — they  now  must  have  an  end. 


no     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

In  thy  rough  words  there  soundeth  pain  for  thee, 
And  they  are  painful  too  in  mine  own  soul. 

I  can — whilst  facing  thee — but  weep — and  cry — 


(Exit  quickly.) 

(Enter  Maria  and  Thomasius  both  fully  con- 
scious, so  that  they  can  hear  and  understand 
all  that  goes  on,  and  speak  about  it.) 

Thomasius: 
Maria,  terror  reigns  on  every  side, 
It  closeth  in  and  presseth  on  my  soul; 
Whence  shall  come  inward  strength  to  conquer  it  ? 

Maria: 
My  holy,  earnest  vow  doth  ray  out  power : 
And  thou  canst  bear  this  pressure  on  thy  soul 
If  thou  wilt  feel  the  healing  power  it  gives. 

Ahriman  (to  himself): 
'Tis  Benedictus  who  hath  sent  them  here; 
He  guided  them  that  they  might  recognize 
And  know  me,  when  they  feel  me  in  my  realm. 

(He  speaks  the  rest  so  that  Thomasius  and  Maria 
can  hear.) 
Thomasius,  the  Guardian  did  direct 
Thy  footsteps  first  of  all  toward  my  realm 
Since  they  will  lead  thee  to  the  very  light 
Thou  seekest  in  the  depths  of  thine  own  self. 
Here  I  can  give  thee  truth  although  with  pain. 
As  I  have  suffered  many  thousand  years, 
For  though  the  truth  can  penetrate  to  me. 
It  must  first  separate  itself  from  joy 
Before  it  dares  to  venture  though  my  porch. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     m 

Thomasius: 
So  must  I  joylessly  behold  the  soul 
Whom  I  so  ardently  desire  to  see? 

Ahriman: 
A  wish  doth  only  lead  to  happiness 
When  warmth  of  soul  can  cherish  it ;  but  here 
All  wishes  freeze,  and  needs  must  live  in  cold. 

Maria: 
E'en  in  the  ever  empty  fields  of  ice 
I  may  go  with  my  friend,  where  he  will  be 
Encircled  by  the  light  which  spirits  bring 
When  darkness  wounds  and  maims  the  powers  of  life. 
Thomasius,  feel  now  thy  soul's  full  strength. 

{The  Guardian  appears  upon  the  Threshold.) 

Ahriman: 
The  Guardian  himself  must  bring  the  light 
That  thou  dost  now  so  ardently  desire. 

Thomasius: 
'Tis  Theodora  whom  I  wish  to  see. 

The  Guardian: 
The  soul  that  on  my  threshold  clothed  itself 
In  that  same  veil  which  many  years  ago 
It  wore  on  earth,  hath  kindled  in  the  depths 
Of  thine  own  soul  in  solemn  hours  of  life 
The  strongest  love  which  was  concealed  in  thee. 
While  thou  wert  standing  yet  outside  this  realm 
And  first  didst  beg  from  me  an  entrance  here, 
It  stood  before  thee  in  a  pictured  form, 


112     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

And,  being  thus  conceived  by  inward  wish, 

Can  only  show  delusion's  vain  conceits. 

But  now  thou  shalt  in  very  truth  behold 

The  soul  that  in  a  life  of  long  ago 

Was  dwelling  in  that  old  man  whom  thou  saw'st. 

Thomasius: 
I  see  him  now  again  in  his  long  cloak, 
That  worthy  ancient  with  his  earnest  brow; 
O  soul,  who  dwelt  within  this  covering 
Why  dost  thou  hide  thyself  so  long  from  me? 
It  must — it  can — but  Theodora  be. 
Ah,  see — now  from  the  covered  picture,  comes 

Reality :  'tis  Theo  .    .    .   'tis  myself 

(-45    Thomasius   begins    the   name    '  Theodora, ' 
his  Double  appears.) 

His  Double  (coming  close  up  to  Thomasius) : 
Perceive  me — and  then  know  thyself  in  me. 

Maria: 
And  I  may  follow  thee  to  cosmic  depths 
Where  souls  can  win  perception  e'en  as  gods 
By  conquest  that  destroy eth,  yet  acquires 
By  bold  persistence  life  from  seeming  death. 

{Peals  of  thunder,  and  increasing  darkness.) 
Curtain 


Scene  9 

A  pleasant,  sunny  morning  landscape,  in  a  terraced  gar- 
den overlooking  a  town  with  many  factories. 

Benedictus,  Capesius,  Maria,  Thomasius,  and  Strader 
are  discovered  walking  up  and  down  and  engaged  in 
leisurely  conversation.  Benedictus  wears  a  white 
biretta  and  is  in  his  white  robe,  but  without  the 
golden  stole. 

Capesius: 
Here  is  the  place,  where  Benedictus  oft 
In  soft  warm  sunlight  of  a  summer  morn 
Gave  himself  to  his  pupils  that  they  might 
In  reverent  mood  receive  his  wisdom's  words. 
Out  yonder  lies  what  ever  must  divide 
With  pitiless  intent  the  souls  of  men 
From  all  the  wondrous  beauty  of  the  earth, 
That  nature's  God  doth  shower  so  bounteous  here. 
In  yon  waste  sea  of  houses  in  the  town 
Doth  Benedictus  ever  nobly  strive 
To  heal  this  human  woe  by  deeds  of  love. 
And  when  with  human  words  so  wise  and  true 
He  tells  his  pupils  of  the  spirit-world, 
He  seeks  for  hearts,  which  free  creative  power 
That  here  reveals  itself  in  wakening  souls. 
Hath  filled  with  sunshine  and  with  love  for  men. 
I,  too,  may  now  behold  the  happiness 
8  113 


114     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Which  through  his  words  doth  reach  the  heart  of  man. 
Since  he  in  love  hath  underta'en  the  task 
Of  guiding  me  within  the  spirit-world : 
And  now  when  I  may  feel  that  he  is  near 
I  shall  again  discover  mine  own  self. 

Benedictus: 
Within  the  circle  of  my  pupils  here 
Through  free-will  acts  of  others  and  thyself 
A  knot  shall  one  day  loosen  in  the  threads 
Which  Karma  spins  in  lives  of  men  on  earth. 
Thy  life  itself  will  help  to  loose  this  knot. 
In  hearts  of  men  who  give  themselves  in  truth 
To  follow  wisdom,  which  I  serve  myself, 
Thou  canst  by  thine  own  power  discover  those 
Joined  unto  whom  thou  wilt  complete  the  work 
For  which  in  spirit  thou  hast  been  prepared. 

Capesius: 
Thee  have  I  known,  and  I  will  follow  thee. 
As  I  held  converse  with  mine  inmost  soul, 
When  I  had  been  allowed  to  hear  thy  words 
Within  the  spirit-realm  in  their  true  form. 
And  thou  hadst  brought  me  to  myself  again, 
Then  could  I  see  portrayed  in  spirit-light 
The  aims  which  in  the  progress  of  the  earth 
I  was  to  follow  in  my  future  lives. 
And  now  I  know  that  thou  didst  choose  for  me 
The  one  right  way  for  this  to  be  revealed. 

Benedictus: 
Thomasius  and  Strader  will  henceforth 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     115 

United  with  thyself  accomplish  much 

That  best  may  serve  to  further  human  health. 

They  have  prepared  the  soul-powers  which  are  theirs 

With  such  intent  since  first  the  Earth  began 

That  they  can  join  to  form  a  trinity 

With  thine  own  spirit  in  the  cosmic  course. 

Capesius: 
So  I  must  thank  my  fate's  unbending  powers 
Which  seemed  at  first  incomprehensible, 
That  when  the  rightful  moment  came  at  last 
My  life's  aim  suddenly  revealed  itself. 

{He  pauses  meditatively.) 
How  wonderfully  hast  thou  led  me  on : 
It  seemed  at  first  as  if  I  strove  in  vain 
To  enter  with  my  spirit  consciously 
Into  those  worlds  which  by  thy  words  are  placed 
So  thoughtfully  before  the  souls  of  men. 
For  many  years  I  could  find  nought  but  thoughts 
When  in  thy  writings  I  absorbed  myself. 
And  then,  quite  suddenly,  around  me  flowed 
The  spirit-world  in  its  reality; 
I  scarce  knew  how  to  find  myself  aright 
Within  my  former  more  accustomed  world. 

Benedictus: 
That  would  have  hid  the  spirit-life  from  thee 
For  ever  by  its  strong  effective  power 
Unless  the  stronger  forces  of  tJiis  life 
Had  first  reduced  it  to  a  shadow  dim. 
And  so  thou  too,  with  thy  full  spirit-sight 


ii6    Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Must  on  that  threshold  learn  to  know  thyself, 
Where  others  first  can  gain  their  spirit-sight. 

{During  the  last  words  Strader  walks  up  to 
Capesius  and  the  three  go  away  together: 
after  a  short  time  Benedictus  returns  with 
Strader.) 

Strader: 
It  gave  deep  pain,  within  mine  inmost  self 
And  weighed  with  heavy  pressure  on  my  soul 
When  on  awaking  to  myself  I  found 
I  was  again  within  my  body  pent 
From  which  thy  words  had  given  me  release. 
My  deadened  soul-life  first  tormented  me 
On  my  return,  yet  'twas  not  only  pain; 
For  it  brought  forth  in  me  the  memory 
Of  all  I  lived  through  ere  I  saw  with  dread 
What  I  could  learn  from  Ahriman  himself, 
That  every  thought  must  cease  its  progress  there. 
I  had  to  ask  myself  why  I  was  set 
By  Benedictus'  word  within  this  realm 
Where  souls  alone  are  taken  into  count 
And  only  those  are  valued  which  can  help 
Toward  the  objects,  which  that  power  desires 
To  make  his  own  through  deeds  that  I  have  done. 
He,  in  his  wisdom,  wanted  to  select 
Twelve  helpers  from  the  nimiber  of  mankind. 

Benedictus: 
Yet  'tis  well  known  to  thee  why  all  these  souls. 
Which  Ahriman  showed  forth,  drew  near  to  thee, 
When  he  would  force  himself  upon  their  fates. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     117 

Strader: 
That  also  bitter  pain  revealed  to  me : 
It  showed  how  in  a  former  life  on  Earth 
I  was  united  to  a  brotherhood 
Which  now  hath  formed  again  its  mystic  league, 
And  how  those  people  stood  towards  myself, 
Who  were  in  their  true  nature  then  revealed. 
And  I  could  feel  quite  sure  that  Ahriman 
Will  use  the  bond,  which  e'en  in  future  lives 
Must  ever  siu-ely  bind  their  souls  to  mine. 

Benedictus: 
The  cosmic  powers  do  so  direct  their  deeds 
That  these  with  cosmic  progress  may  unite 
By  following  in  wisdom  number's  laws. 
The  sign  how  this  direction  is  fulfilled 
Shows  itself  clearly  to  the  outer  sense; 
If  it  doth  watch  the  Sun  upon  the  course 
He  takes  throughout  the  constellations  twelve. 
It  is  his  place  amongst  those  very  signs 
Which  shows  how  on  the  Earth  things  come  to  pass 
In  strict  succession  in  long  course  of  time. 
So  Ahriman  desired  to  mould  the  souls 
Of  those  who  are  united  thus  to  thee 
To  powers  from  whence  thy  work  might  shine  afar. 
He  also  wished  to  follow  number's  laws 
In  binding  their  soul-nature  unto  thine. 

Strader: 
Since  I  have  learned  the  sense  of  number's  law, 
So  shall  I  too  succeed  in  rescuing 
My  work  from  out  the  realm  of  Ahriman 
And  offering  it  to  the  gods  of  Earth. 


ii8    Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Benedictus: 
It  was  through  Ahriman  thou  hadst  to  learn 
The  sense  of  number  in  the  universe; 
So  was  it  needful  for  thine  own  soul's  good. 
*Twas  spirit-pupilship  that  guided  thee 
Into  that  realm,  which  thou  didst  need  to  know 
If  thy  creative  power  should  bloom  aright. 

{Exeunt  Benedictus  and  Strader.     Maria   and 
Thomasius  appear  from  the  other  side.) 

Maria: 
Johannes,  knowledge  hath  thy  soul  acquired 
From  truth's  cold  realms.     No  longer  wilt  thou  now 
Weave  only  in  thy  pictures  that  which  souls, 
Still  pent  within  the  body,  live  in  dreams. 
For  far  from  cosmic  progress  are  those  thoughts 
Which  but  as  self -begotten  show  themselves. 

Thomasius: 
'Tis  love  of  self — although  they  may  pretend 
'Tis  thirst  for  knowledge  maketh  them  do  this. 

Maria: 
Whoe'er  desires  to  dedicate  himself 
To  human  progress  and  perform  such  work 
As  shall  in  course  of  time  prove  living  force 
Must  first  entrust  himself  unto  those  powers 
Who  work  in  deep  realities  and  bring, 
Where  order  with  confusion  aye  doth  fight. 
The  rhythmic  law  of  number  and  its  power. 
For  knowledge  only  hath  true  active  life. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     119 

That  can  reveal  itself  within  the  soul 

When  it  can  bring  to  men,  still  clothed  in  flesh, 

The  memory  of  life  in  spirit-realms. 

Thomasius: 
My  course  of  life  is  thus  made  clear  to  me. 
I  had  to  feel  myself  a  twofold  man. 
Through  Benedictus'  help  and  through  thine  own 
I  am  a  being  standing  by  myself; 
And  all  the  forces  that  within  me  stir 
Do  not  belong  at  all  to  mine  own  self. 
Ye  now  have  given  me  a  manhood  new 
Who  must  be  willing  to  give  other  men 
What  he  hath  gained  by  splrit-pupilship. 
He  must  devote  himself  unto  the  world 
As  best  he  can :  naught  from  that  other  man 
Must  mingle  and  disturb  what  now  at  last 
He  hath  as  true  self-knowledge  recognized. 
Contained  in  his  own  world  he  will  go  on, 
If  his  own  strength  and  help  from  both  his  friends 
Shall  in  the  future  serve  to  form  his  fate. 

Maria: 
Whether  thou  walk'st  in  error  or  in  truth 
Thou  canst  keep  ever  clear  the  view  ahead; 
Which  lets  thy  soul  press  farther  on  its  path, 
If  thou  dost  bravely  bear  necessities 
Imposed  upon  thee  by  the  spirit-realm. 

Curtain 


Scene  io 

The  Temple  of  the  mystic  League  mentioned  in  the  first 
and  second  pictures.  Here  Benedictus,  Torquatus, 
and  Trustworthy  have  the  robes  and  insignia  of  their 
office  of  Hierophant  as  described  in  the  '  Portal  of 
Initiation.'  The  Eastern  altar  supports  a  golden 
sphere;  a  blue  sphere  rests  upon  the  Southern  altar; 
whilst  the  sphere  upon  the  altar  of  the  West  is  red. 
As  the  scene  opens  Benedictus  and  Hilary  are  stand- 
ing at  the  altar  in  the  East;  Bellicosus  and  Torquatus 
at  the  altar  in  the  South;  Trustworthy  at  the  altar 
in  the  West;  then  enter  Thomasius,  Capesius, 
Strader;  then  Maria,  Felix  Balde,  and  Dame  Balde; 
and  later  on  the  Soul  of  Theodora;  and  last  of  all 
the  four  Soul-Forces. 

Benedictus: 
The  souls  of  all  my  pupils  have  received 
The  spirit-light,  each  in  that  special  form 
Which  was  appointed  for  him  by  his  fate. 
What  they  have  now  achieved  each  for  himself 
Each  now  must  render  fruitful  for  mankind. 
But  this  can  only  happen,  if  their  powers 
According  unto  number's  rhythmic  law 
Desire  to  join  within  the  holy  place 
To  form  the  higher  unity,  which  first 
Can  waken  to  true  life  what  otherwise 

I20 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     121 

Could  only  stay  in  solitary  state. 

They  stand  upon  the  threshold  of  the  shrine, 

Whose  souls  must  first  unite,  and  then  shall  sound 

In  unison  according  to  the  rules 

Imprinted  in  the  cosmic  book  of  fate. 

That  what  it  could  not  bring  to  pass  itself 

The  spirit  harmony  may  thus  achieve. 

'Twill  bring  fresh  inspiration  to  the  old 

Which  here  hath  nobly  reigned  since  time  was  not. 

To  you,  ye  brethren,  I  these  pupils  bring 

Who  found  their  way  here  through  the  spirit-worlds 

And  through  the  strictest  proving  of  their  souls. 

The  holy  customs  will  they  treat  with  awe. 

And  treasure  ancient  sacred  mystic  ways 

Which  here  are  seen  as  powers  of  spirit-light. 

Ye  too,  who  have  fulfilled  in  truest  wise 

Your  lofty  spirit-service  for  so  long. 

Henceforth  will  be  entrusted  with  new  tasks. 

The  cosmic  plan  doth  call  the  sons  of  men 

But  for  a  time  unto  the  sacred  shrine, 

And  when  in  service  they  exhaust  their  strength 

It  guideth  them  to  other  fields  of  work. 

Even  this  temple  had  to  stand  its  trial ; 

And  one  man's  error  had  to  guard  it  once. 

The  guardian  of  the  light — from  darkness  deep, 

One  cosmic  hour  big  with  the  fate  of  worlds. 

Thomasius  perceived  through  inward  light 

Which  rules  unconscious  in  the  souls  of  men, 

That  o'er  its  threshold  he  must  not  pursue 

His  way  unto  the  holy  mystic  shrine 

Ere  he  had  crossed  that  other  threshold  o'er, 

Of  which  this  only  is  the  outward  sign. 


122    Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

So  of  himself  he  shut  the  door  again 

Which  you  would  fain  have  opened  wide  in  love. 

He  will  now  as  another  come  again 

Worthy  of  your  initiation's  gift 

Hilary: 
Our  souls  here  htmibly  offer  sacrifice 
Unto  the  spirit  by  whose  power  alone 
The  inner  soul  of  man  is  fructified. 
And  we  would  strive  that  our  own  wills  may  be 
A  revelation  of  the  spirit-will. 
By  cosmic  wisdom  is  the  temple  led 
Which  unconfused  doth  guide  to  future  times. 
Thou  showest  us  directions  which  thyself 
Hast  read  within  the  cosmic  book  of  fate, 
What  time  thy  pupils  passed  their  proof  severe. 
So  lead  them  now  within  our  sacred  shrine, 
That  they  may  join  their  work  unto  our  own. 

{Hilary  knocks  within  the  Temple;  then  enter 
Thomasius,  Capesius,  Maria,  Felix  Balde, 
Dame  Balde,  and  Strader.  Trustworthy  and 
Torquatus  so  guide  their  entrance  that  when 
they  come  to  the  middle  of  the  Temple,  Tho- 
masius is  standing  in  front  of  Benedictus 
and  Hilary,  Capesius  in  front  of  Bellicosus 
and  Torquatus,  Strader  in  front  of  Trust- 
worthy, whilst  Maria  is  with  Felix  and 
Dame  Balde.) 

Hilary: 
My  son,  the  words  man  utters  in  this  place 
Spell  guilt  which  cries  aloud  to  spirit-worlds 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     123 

Unless  the  speaker  follows  truth  alone. 

As  great  the  guilt,  so  strong  too  are  the  powers 

Which  strike  it,  and  destroy  the  one  who  speaks 

And  proves  himself  unworthy  of  his  task. 

He  who  is  standing  here  before  thee  now, 

Was  conscious  of  the  working  of  his  words 

And  tried  to  full  extent  of  all  his  powers 

To  render  service  to  the  spirit-world 

Before  this  holy  symbol  of  that  light 

Which  shines  upon  our  Earth  from  out  the  east. 

It  is  the  will  of  fate  that  thou  henceforth 

Shalt  stand  and  serve  within  this  sacred  place. 

And  he  who  consecrates  thee  to  the  task 

And  of  his  office  hands  thee  now  the  key, 

Doth  give  his  blessing  also  that  it  may 

Prove  of  good  service,  in  so  far  as  he 

Hath  served  the  sacred  customs  worthily. 

Thomasius: 
Exalted  Master,  he  would  not  presume — 
This  poor  weak  mortal,  who  doth  dare  to  stand 
Before  thee  now  in  body, — e'en  to  shape 
One  wish  that  thy  successor  he  might  be 
Within  this  ancient  consecrated  place. 
He  is  not  worthy  e'en  to  place  one  step 
Across  the  threshold  of  this  mystic  shrine, 
But  what  he  dares  not  wish  for,  for  himself, 
He  must  perceive  in  deep  humility 
Since  powers  of  fate  have  of  necessity 
Desired  to  send  this  call  unto  his  soul. 
It  was  not  I,  as  I  am  in  my  life 
Nor  as  I  saw  myself  a  short  time  back 


124    Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

In  spirit,  as  a  wholly  worthless  soul, 

That  let  me  now  draw  near  unto  this  place. 

And  yet  the  man  who  stands  here  visible 

Hath  been,  by  Benedictus  and  his  friend, 

Endowed  with  second  manhood,  which  the  first 

Shall  henceforth  only  as  a  bearer  serve. 

The  spirit-pupilship  hath  given  me 

A  self  that  can  show  forth  itself  with  power 

And  to  the  full  unfold  its  own  pursuits 

E'en  when  the  bearer  needs  must  know  himself 

Full  far  removed  from  lofty  aims  of  soul. 

If,  in  such  case,  his  duty  it  doth  seem 

To  give  this  second  self  that's  roused  in  him 

To  service  in  the  progress  of  the  Earth 

His  life  must  aye  observe  this  strictest  rule 

To  be  a  light  before  his  spirit-eyes, 

That  nought  from  his  own  self  must  enter  in 

Nor  cause  disturbance  in  that  work,  which  he 

Hath  not  himself  arranged  nor  brought  to  pass 

But  which  his  second  self  must  execute. 

Concealed  within  himself  he  thus  will  work 

That  one  day  he  may  be  what  he  doth  know 

To  be  the  future  goal  of  his  true  self. 

Throughout  his  life  he'll  carry  his  own  cares 

Locked  fast  in  deep  recesses  of  his  soul. 

I  told  thee  when  at  first  thou  called'st  me 

That  I  could  never  tread  the  temple  courts 

In  mine  own  human  personality. 

He  who  now  comes,  as  though  another's  life 

Had  been  entrusted  to  him,  sees  that  fate 

Hath  laid  on  him  the  task  of  watching  o'er 

Results  of  his  own  work  and  guiding  them 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     125 

With  dutiful  attention  from  this  place 
For  such  time  as  the  spirit  doth  command. 


Torquatus  {in  the  South,  to  Capesius) : 
Capesius,  henceforth  'twill  be  thy  task 
To  serve  the  holy  temple  in  this  place 
Whence  love  through  wisdom  shall  stream  forth  to 

men 
As  warmly  as  the  sunshine's  noontide  rays. 
He  who  would  to  the  spirit  sacrifice 
With  understanding  of  the  mystic  work, 
Must  needs  face  dangers  here,  for  Lucifer 
Can  in  this  place  draw  near  with  secret  tread 
To  whomsoever  faithfully  doth  try 
To  carry  out  the  spirit-service  here, 
And  on  each  word  he  can  impress  the  seal 
That  marks  the  adversary  of  the  gods. 
Thou  stood'st  before  the  adversary's  throne 
And  saw'st  what  follows  his  activities; 
So  for  thine  office  thou  art  well  prepared. 

Capesius: 
He  who  hath  viewed  the  adversary's  realm 
As  powers  of  fate  permitted  me  to  do, 
He  knows  that  '  good '  and  *  evil '  are  but  words 
Which  mankind  scarce  can  understand  aright. 
Who  speaks  of  Lucifer  as  wholly  bad 
Might  also  say  that  fire  is  evil  too, 
Because  it  hath  a  power  that  can  kill  life; 
He  might  call  water  evil,  since  a  man 
Might  in  the  water  easily  be  drowned. 


126     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Torqtiatus: 
Through  other  things  doth  Lucifer  appear 
As  evil  to  thee;  not  through  that  which  he 
Would  indicate  as  evil  of  himself. 

Capesius: 
The  cosmic  spirit  who  could  bring  the  light 
To  souls  of  men  when  first  the  Earth  was  formed 
Must  render  service  to  the  universe, 
In  ways  which  in  themselves  seem  neither  good 
Nor  evil  unto  spirits  who  have  learned 
What  stern  necessity  doth  oft  reveal. 
For  good  can  turn  to  ill,  if  evil  minds 
Make  use  of  it  for  their  destructive  ends; 
And  what  seems  evil  may  be  turned  to  good 
If  some  good  being  guideth  it  aright. 

Torquatus: 
So  dost  thou  know  what  thou  wilt  have  to  do 
So  long  as  thou  dost  stand  within  this  place. 
Love  doth  not  value  powers  that  are  revealed 
Within  the  world  by  judgment's  stern  decree — 
She  treasures  them  for  what  they  may  bring  forth 
And  asks  how  she  can  mould  and  use  the  life 
Which  is  created  out  of  cosmic  depths. 

Benedictus  {in  the  East) : 
Yet  love  speaks  often  with  such  gentle  words, 
And  needs  support  within  the  depths  of  soul. 
Here  in  this  place  she  will  unite  with  all 
That  follows  cosmic  law  with  threefold  will 
And  is  unto  the  spirit  dedicate. 
Maria  will  unite  her  work  to  thine. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     127 

The  vow  she  took  in  Lucifer's  domain 
Is  now  permitted  to  ray  forth  its  powers. 

Maria: 
Capesius  spake  words  of  deep  import 
Which  can  reveal  the  truth  if  they  proceed 
From  that  same  spirit  which  can  guide  mankind 
Toward  true  love,  in  progress  of  the  Earth, 
But  which  but  error  upon  error  heap 
When  they  are  fashioned  by  an  evil  mind 
And  in  the  soul  transform  themselves  to  ill. 
'Tis  true  that  Lucifer  doth  show  himself 
As  bearer  of  the  light  to  man's  soul-sight 
When  it  would  seek  to  gaze  on  spirit-space. 
But  then  the  human  soul  will  always  wish 
To  waken  also  in  its  inmost  depths 
What  it  can  only  gaze  on  and  admire. 
Although  upon  his  beauty  it  may  look 
Ne'er  may  it  fall  'neath  Lucifer's  fell  sway 
Lest  he  should  gain  the  power  to  work  within. 
When  he,  the  bearer  of  the  light,  sends  forth 
His  rays  of  wisdom  and  the  worlds  are  filled 
With  haughty  sense  of  self,  and  with  full  light 
Each  creature's  personality  shines  forth 
A  pattern  of  his  own  imperious  self, 
Then  may  the  inmost  being  of  the  soul 
Build  up  on  this  appearance,  and  rejoice 
In  all  its  senses,  whilst  it  radiates 
The  joy  of  wisdom,  all  around,  that  lives 
In  its  own  self  and  loves  to  feel  alive. 
But,  more  than  any  other  spirit,  man 
Requires  a  God  who  doth  not  only  ask 


128     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

For  admiration  when  his  outward  form 
Reveals  itself  in  glory  to  the  soul, 
But  One  who  radiates  His  highest  power 
When  He  Himself  doth  dwell  within  man's  soul, 
And  loving  unto  death  foretelleth  life. 
A  man  may  turn  to  Lucifer  and  feel 
Inspired  by  beauty,  or  some  splendour  bright : 
And  yet  so  live  his  life  within  himself 
That  Lucifer  can  ne'er  find  entrance  there ; 
But  to  that  other  Spirit  man  doth  cry. 
When  he  can  fathom  his  own  self  aright : 
'  The  goal  of  love  for  earthly  souls — 'tis  this 
Not  I,  but  Christ,  doth  live  within  me  now.' 

Benedictus  {turning  to  Maria) : 
And  when  her  soul  shall  to  her  spirit  bow 
As  she  hath  vowed  to  Lucifer,  it  shall. 
Then  through  her  power  on  to  the  temple  stream 
With  all  that  leads  unto  the  health  of  Earth. 
And  Christ  will  kindle  in  the  hallowed  place 
Of  wisdom  warming  rays  of  spirit-love. 
What  she  can  thus  accomplish  in  the  world 
Is  done  because  the  course  of  her  own  life 
Is  bound  up  closely  with  that  knot  of  fate 
Which  Karma  spins  in  human  lives  on  Earth. 
In  some  long-past  existence,  it  was  she 
Who  caused  the  son  to  leave  his  father's  home; 
And  now  she  leads  the  son  to  him  again. 
The  soul,  which  in  Thomasius  now  dwells 
In  former  life  was  to  that  one  which  now 
Fulfils  itself  within  Capesius, 
As  son  to  father  bound  by  ties  of  blood. 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     129 

The  father  will  not  now  through  Lucifer 

Demand  the  debt  Maria  owes  to  him, 

For  by  Christ's  power,  the  debt  hath  been  annulled. 

Magnus  Bellicosus  {speaking  to  Hilary  and  Bene- 
dictus,  but  frequently  turning  to  Felix  Balde 
and  Dame  Balde) : 

Within  the  holy  place  doth  shine  the  light 
Which  flows  with  power  from  out  the  spirit-heights, 
When  souls  can  worthily  receive  its  strength. 
But  yet  those  lofty  powers  of  wisdom's  realm 
Which  thus  reveal  themselves  in  mystic  shrines 
Have  chosen  also  other  paths  to  souls. 
The  signs  of  our  own  times  have  made  it  clear 
That  all  these  paths  must  now  be  joined  in  one. 
The  temple  must  unite  itself  with  souls 
Who  have  reached  spirit-light  in  other  ways 
And  yet  have  been  enlightened  in  good  truth. 
Now  Dame  Felicia  and  her  husband  too, 
Are  such  as  may  approach  this  sacred  place 
And  who  can  bring  to  it  a  wealth  of  light. 

Dame  Balde: 
I  can  but  tell  the  fairy-tales  that  rise 
Within  my  heart  quite  of  their  own  accord — 
I  only  know  about  their  spirit-source 
What  oft  Capesius  hath  told  to  me. 
In  all  humility  I  must  believe. 
What  he  hath  told  me  of  my  gift  of  soul ; 
So  also  I  believe  what  ye  make  clear 
Why  I  am  called  within  these  temple  walls. 


130    Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

Felix  Balde: 
I  followed  not  alone  the  outward  call 
Sent  to  me  by  the  guardian  of  this  shrine; 
But  true  unto  my  spirit-pathway's  goal 
I  have  applied  myself  unto  the  power 
Which,  as  mine  inmost  guide,  doth  ever  point 
In  what  direction  I  shall  turn  my  steps 
That  I  may  best  be  able  to  fulfil 
In  life  what  spirit-powers  have  foreordained. 
This  time  I  saw  quite  clearly  I  was  meant 
To  shun  that  way  which  Benedictus  now 
Hath  shown  his  pupils  in  the  spirit-life. 
The  signs  that  now  I  see  within  this  shrine 
Appeared  to  me  in  vision  previously. 
For  often  when  my  soul  did  tread  the  depths 
And  all  self-will  had  been  destroyed  in  me, 
And  power  and  patience  could  maintain  themselves 
In  that  dread  loneliness  which  aye  approached 
Before  I  could  experience  spirit-light. 
Then  all  the  universe  seemed  one  with  me. 
And  soon  I  found  myself  within  that  world, 
Where  life's  true  purpose  was  revealed  to  me. 
During  such  spirit-wand 'rings  I  have  been 
In  many  a  temple  which  it  seems  to  me 
Resembles  that  which  now  my  sense  perceives, 
Just  as  the  writing  of  the  spoken  word 
Must  show  a  written  picture  of  the  speech. 

Trustworthy  {in  the  West,  to  Strader) : 
Dear  Strader,  it  is  now  thy  destiny 
To  speak  that  word  henceforth  within  the  shrine 
Which  will  agree  with  all  Thomasius 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     131 

Makes  known  to  us,  as  sunset  must  agree 

With  that  hope-giving  glow  of  morning  light. 

This  word,  in  its  full  sense  doth  seize  upon 

The  working  of  that  Power  who  showed  himself 

To  thee,  when  thou  wert  standing  on  thy  trial. 

Thou  hadst  to  stand  within  that  spirit-place 

Where  thought  is  strictly  ordered  to  stand  still. 

For  if  thine  hand  should  wield  a  hammer  now 

And  only  strike  the  air,  it  could  not  know 

The  power  it  hath,  unless  the  blow  should  reach 

Some  anvil;  even  so  it  is  with  thought. 

It  ne'er  could  really  fathom  its  own  depth 

If  Ahriman  were  not  opposed  to  it. 

All  thought  within  thy  life  hath  led  thee  on 

To  contradict  thyself  and  this  hath  caused 

Within  thy  soul  both  pain  and  heavy  doubt. 

Thus  didst  thou  learn  to  know  thyself  through  thought; 

As  light  can  only  gaze  upon  itself. 

But  through  reflection  that  its  rays  cast  forth; 

The  words  of  him  who  serves  the  temple  here 

Thus,  in  a  picture,  life's  reflection  show. 

Strader: 
In  truth  the  light  of  thought  for  long  time  streamed 
But  through  reflection  into  mine  own  life; 
Yet  for  full  seven  years  the  spirit  showed 
Itself  to  me  in  its  bright  splendour  too, 
And  did  reveal  those  worlds  unto  my  soul, 
In  front  of  which  my  soul  had  formerly 
Stood  ever  still  in  torment  and  in  doubt. 
Within  my  soul  this  light  must  grow  so  deep 
That  it  shall  last  through  all  eternity, 


132     Guardian  of  the  Threshold 

If  I  would  find  the  path  to  spirit-aims 

And  make  my  own  creations  bring  forth  health. 

Theodora    {becoming   visible,    as   a   spirit-being,    at 
Strader's  side) : 
I  was  allowed  to  win  this  light  for  you, 
Because  thy  power  did  strive  toward  my  light, 
As  soon  as  thy  right  time  had  been  fulfilled. 

Strader: 
So  too  thy  light,  thou  spirit-messenger, 
Will  stream  o'er  all  the  words  that  in  this  place 
Shall  be  wrung  forth  from  out  mine  inmost  soul. 
For  Theodora's  self  is  now  with  mine 
To  holy  mystic  service  consecrate. 

{Philia,   Astrid,   Luna,   and  the   Other  Philia 
appear  in  a  glowing  cloud  of  light.) 

The  Other  Philia: 

To  Earth's  primeval  source 
Mount  thoughts  of  sacrifice 
From  many  a  holy  shrine; 
Let  all  that  lives  in  souls. 
Let  all  that  spirit  lights 
Soar  to  the  world  of  form ; 
Let  cosmic-powers  incline 
With  graciousness  to  men, 
To  kindle  spirit -light 
Within  their  powers  of  soul. 

Philia: 

From  cosmic  spirits  I 
Will  beg  their  being's  light, 


Guardian  of  the  Threshold     133 

The  soul-sense  to  uphold; 
The  sound  too  of  their  words, 
To  loose  the  spirit-ear, 
That  what  hath  been  aroused 
Upon  the  paths  of  soul 
May  not  become  extinct 
In  lives  of  men  on  Earth. 


Astrid: 


The  love-streams  will  I  guide 

That  fill  the  world  with  warmth 

Unto  the  spirits  of 

Initiated  men. 

That  thus  the  sacred  rite 

May  be  preserved  and  kept 

Within  the  hearts  of  men. 


Luna: 


From  primal  powers  will  I 
For  might  and  courage  pray, 
For  these  will  help  to  make 
Self-sacrifice  to  grow, 
So  that  it  may  transform 
What  now  is  seen  in  time 
And  change  to  spirit-seeds 
For  all  eternity. 

Curtain  falls  while  all  the  characters,  including  Theodora, 
Philia,  Astrid,  Luna,  and  the  Other  Philia  are  still 
inside  the  Temple. 


THE  SOUL'S  AWAKENING 


135 


SUMMARY  OF  THE  SCENES 

Scene  i  :  Hilary's  business  is  threatened  with  disaster  because 
of  his  attempt  to  introduce  into  it  his  spiritual 
ideals  and  occult  methods.  He  has  engaged  as  con- 
troller of  his  machinery,  Strader,  who  is  generally 
known  to  be  a  failure  because  of  his  unpractical 
inventions.  With  him  comes  a  group  of  similar 
"cranks.  "  Hilary's  old  manager  is  in  despair. 
Scene  2 :  Johannes  is  a  prey  to  delusion  and  loves  to  wander  in 
his  own  dreamland.  He  is  warned  by  Maria  and 
Benedictus.  Capesius,  in  a  moment  of  clairvoyance 
gets  a  glimpse  of  Johannes'  inner  mood,  and  is  so 
alarmed  that  he  decides  that  there  can  be  no  blend- 
ing of  spiritual  gifts  with  earthly  things,  and  he 
withdraws  from  Hilary's  group  and  goes  to  the  old 
mystic  Felix.  Maria  urges  Johannes  to  discriminate 
between  truth  and  self-delusion  which  can  be  done 
by  the  study  of  elemental  sprites. 

The  dance  of  gnomes  and  sylphs. 

The  youth  of  Johannes  appears.  It  is  in  despair 
because  it  is  separated  from  Johannes.  Lucifer 
tries  to  console  it  with  promises  of  human  wis- 
dom and  love  of  beauty.  Theodora  offers  divine 
wisdom. 
Scene  3 :  Arguments  on  various  phases  of  occult  development. 
During  the  discussion,  Ahriman  glides  stealthily 
across  the  stage  to  bring  dissension  and  confusion 
of  thought  among  the  speakers,  who  are  ignorant 
of  his  presence. 

Strader's  temptations. 

Felix  speaks  on  mysticism. 

The  appearance  in  spirit  form  of  Maria  and  Benedic- 

136 


The  Soul's  Awakening         i37 

tus  to  help  Strader,  and  of  Ahriman  to  thwart  him. 
There  is  a  repetition  of  Strader's  part  in  Scene  II. 
Scene  4:     Similar  discussions  between  Hilary's  manager  and 
Romanus.      Ahriman  had  succeeded  in  separating 
the  various  mystics. 
During  the  discussion,  Romanus,  by  his  arguments 
on  occultism,  makes  a  great  impression  upon  the 
manager. 
Johannes  and  his  double. 

Ahriman  scoffs  at  the  Guardian  of  the  Threshold. 
Strader  with  Benedictus.    The  vision  of  the  latter  is 
troubled;  he — the  occult  leader — is  mistaken. 
Scene  5 :     The  Spirit  World. 

This  scene  needs  careful  meditation  and  some  know- 
ledge of  the  author's  system.    Attention  should  be 
given  to  the  indications  of  the  planetary  spheres — 
Mercury,    Venus,    Sun,   Jupiter,   and    Saturn — to 
which  in  turn  we  expand  after  death.    Heed   hould 
be  paid  to  the  warning  given  by  the  Guardian  of  the 
Threshold. 
Lucifer  here  appears  as  a  beneficent  guide,  so,  too,  the 
other  Philia. 
Scene  6:     The  Spirit  World.    The  same  remarks  apply.    Cape- 
sius  is  struck  by  the  figures  of  his  previous  incarna- 
tions, as  shown  in  the  former  plays.    The  Guardian 
of  the  Threshold  will  allow  an  even  earlier  incarna- 
tion to  appear. 
(Scenes  7  and  8:     The  earlier  incarnations  in  Egypt  giving  the 
key  to  the  four  plays,  and  showing  the  origin  of 
development  of  the  different  characters.) 
Scene  7:     Shows  in  a  remarkable  way  how  the  future  develop- 
ment of  the  Baldes  and  Capesius  is  going  to  proceed. 
The   concluding   speech   of   the  hierophant   fore- 
shadows  the   approach  of  a  new  Era  when   can- 
didates  for   initiation   will    get  the   hidden   light 
independently  and  not  under  the  hypnotic  sugges- 
tion of  the  guiding  priest. 
Scene  8:    Drop  scene.    Egyptian  woman  (otherwise  Johannes 


138        The  SouFs  Awakening 

Thomasius)  is  in  love  with  a  man  who  is  a  neophjrte 
or  candidate  for  mysticism  and  about  to  retire  from 
the  world.  This  mystic  is  known  to  us  otherwise  as 
Maria. 

Scene  8:  About  2000  b.c.  The  hierophant  (Capesius)  has  re- 
fused to  use  his  thought  power  to  suggest  to  the 
candidate  what  his  vision  should  be.  The  candidate 
has  a  free  vision  looking  far  into  the  future.  A 
breath  of  love  and  freedom  is  wafted  into  the  closely 
sealed  precincts.  'The  truth  shall  make  thee  free.' 
But  with  this  rebellion  against  the  old  order,  there 
is  a  consequence.  Lucifer  and  Ahriman  hitherto 
chained  within  the  temple  break  their  chains  and 
begin  to  work  their  will.  The  ancient  temple  has 
been  invaded,  but  the  Ego  begins  to  wake.  The 
reader  will  not  overlook,  in  all  this  cosmic  develop- 
ment, the  individual  development  of  the  different 
characters  which  are  difficult  to  understand  from  the 
other  plays  without  this  glimpse  into  their  previous 
incarnation.  The  author  has  presented  it  in  this 
order,  because  it  corresponds  to  the  reader's  own 
experience. 

Scene  9:  Maria's  awakening.  The  reminiscence  in  waking  of 
what  has  happened  in  a  psychic  condition. 

Scene  10:  Johannes'  awakening.  The  quotations  refer  to 
Scenes  7  and  8. 

Scene  ii:  Strader's  awakening.  Benedictus'  vision  is  again 
clouded.  The  reason  here  is  probably  Strader's  ap- 
proaching death.    The  quotations  refer  to  Scene  3. 

Scene  12:  Ahriman's  manner,  shape,  and  speech  betray  the  fact 
that  he  is  being  found  out  by  the  followers  of  Bene- 
dictus. Ahriman  hopes,  however,  to  catch  Strader. 
Note  the  satire  indulged  in  at  the  expense  of  those 
occultists,  theosophists,  and  others  whose  air  of 
superiority  makes  them  a  laughing  stock. 
Note  also  the  last  line  showing  the  importance  of 
remembering  the  dead. 

Scene  13:  Hilary  and  Romanus. 


The  Soul's  Awakening        139 

Scene  14:  Strader's  death  is  announced  and  Hilary's  manager  is 

converted. 
Scene  15:  Secretary  and  Nurse. 

The  Secretary's  speech. 

Ahriman's  shape  is  here  even  more  that  of  the  conven- 
tional devil  than  in  Scene  12.  This  is  to  show  that 
his  true  nature  is  now  fully  grasped  by  Benedictus 
and  his  followers.  This  is  seen  in  Ahriman's  last 
speech.  Note  Benedictus'  speech  about  the  dead 
and  their  messages. 

Benedictus  tells  Ahriman  that  one  can  only  serve  Good 
when  one  does  good  not  for  oneself. 

The  triumph  and  initiation  of  Strader  and  his  future 
power. 

The  defeat  and  exit  of  Ahriman. 


THE  SOUL'S  AWAKENING 

PERSONS,  FIGURES,  AND  EVENTS 

The  psychic  and  spiritual  events  portrayed  in  this 
play  are  to  be  conceived  as  following,  at  about  a  year's 
interval,  those  delineated  in  'The  Guardian  of  the 
Threshold.' 

I.  Representatives  of  the  Element  of  Spirit: 
I.  Benedictus,  the  personality  in  whom  a  number 
of  his  'pupils'  recognize  the  sage  who  knows  the 
deep  spiritual  connection  of  earthly  events.  (In 
my  earlier  soul  pictures  '  The  Portal  of  Initiation ' 
and  'The  Soul's  Probation, '  he  is  portrayed  as  the 
Hierophant  of  the  Sun-Temple;  in  'The  Guar- 
dian of  the  Threshold '  he  manifests  that  particu- 
lar phase  of  spiritual  activity  which  aims  to 
substitute  the  actual  spiritual  life  of  modern  times 
for  the  merely  traditional  views  upheld  therein 
by  the  Mystic  Brotherhood.  In  'The  Soul's 
Awakening'  Benedictus  must  no  longer  be  con- 
ceived only  as  a  sage  who  has  authority  over  his 
pupils  but  also  as  having  his  own  psychic  destiny 
interwoven  with  their  psychic  experiences. 
141 


142        The  Soul's  Awakening 

2.  Hilary  True-to-God,  the  adept  in  traditional 
spiritual  life,  which,  in  his  case,  is  accompanied 
by  individual  spirit-experience.  He  is  the  same 
individuality  who  appears  in  'The  Soul's  Pro- 
bation' as  Grand  Master  of  a  Mystic  Brother- 
hood. 

3.  The  Manager  of  Hilary's  business  of  sawmills. 

4.  Hilary's  Secretary.  He  appears  in  '  The  Guar- 
dian of  the  Threshold*  as  Frederick  Clear-Mind. 

II.    Representatives    of    the     Element    of 
Sacrifice  : 

1.  Magnus  Bellicosus  named  Germanus  in  'The 
Portal  of  Initiation.'  In  'The  Soul's  Probation' 
and  in  the  '  Guardian  of  the  Threshold '  he  is  the 
Preceptor  of  a  Mystic  Brotherhood. 

2.  Alhertus  Torquatus  named  'Theodosius'  in 
'The  Portal  of  Initiation.'  He  appears  in  the 
'Soul's  Probation'  as  the  First  Master  of  Cere- 
monies of  the  Mystic  Brotherhood. 

3.  Professor  Capesius  appearing  in  'The  Soul's 
Probation'  as  First  Preceptor. 

4.  Felix  Balde,  representing  in  'The  Portal  of 
Initiation '  a  kind  of  natural  mysticism,  but  here, 
a  subjective  mysticism.  He  appears  as  Joseph 
Keane  in  'The  Soul's  Probation.' 

III.    Representatives  of  the  Element  of  Will: 
I.     Romanus  who  is  here  re-introduced  under  the 
same  name  used  for  him  in  '  The  Portal  of  Initia- 
tion' because  it  expresses' the  inner  state  of  being 
to  which  he  has  worked  upwards  during  the  years 


The  Soul's  Awakening         143 

which  elapse  between  'The  Portal  of  Initiation' 
and  the  'Awakening.'  In  'The  Guardian  of  the 
Threshold'  the  name  given  him  of  Frederick 
Trustworthy  is  the  one  by  which  he  is  supposed 
to  be  known  in  the  physical  world,  and  the 
name  is  used  there  because  his  inner  life  has 
very  little  to  do  with  the  events  represented. 
In  'The  Soul's  Probation '  he  appears  as  Second 
Master  of  Ceremonies  in  the  mediaeval  Mystic 
Brotherhood. 

2.  Doctor  Strader  the  individual  appearing  in 
'The  Soul's  Probation'  as  the  Jew,  Simon. 

3.  The  Nurse  of  Doctor  Strader  the  individual 
called  Mary  Steadfast  in  'The  Guardian  of  the 
Threshold.'  In  'The  Portal  of  Initiation'  she  is 
known  as  '  The  Other  Maria'  because  the  imagina- 
tive perception  of  Johannes  Thomasius  constructs, 
under  her  guise,  an  imaginative  picture  of  certain 
nature-forces.  Her  individuality  appears  in  '  The 
Soul's  Probation'  as  Bertha,  Keane's  daughter. 

4.  Dame  Balde  who  appears  in  '  The  Soul's  Proba- 
tion' as  Dame  Keane. 

IV.  Representatives  of  the  Element  of  Soul: 

1.  Maria  whose  individuality  appears  in  'The 
Soul's  Probation'  as  the  Monk. 

2.  Johannes  Thomasius  whose  individuality  ap- 
pears in  'The  Soul's  Probation'  as  Thomas. 

3.  Hilary's  wife. 

V.  Beings  from  the  Spirit  World: 

1,  Lucifer. 

2.  Ahriman. 


144         The  Soul's  Awakening 

3.  Gnomes. 

4.  Sylphs. 

VI.  Beings  of  the  Element  of  Human  Spirit: 

1 .  Philia  j       The  spiritual  beings  through  whose 

2.  Astrid  y  agency  the  human  soul-forces  are 

3.  Luna    j  connected  with  the  cosmos. 

4.  The  'Other'  Philia,  representing  the  element  of 
Love  in  the  world  to  which  the  spirit-personality 
belongs. 

5.  The  Soul  of  Theodora  appearing  in  'The  Soul's 
Probation'  as  Cecilia,  foster  daughter  of  Keane 
and  sister  of  Thomas  who  impersonates  Johannes 
Thomasius. 

6.  The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold. 

7.  The  Double  of  Johannes  Thomasius. 

8.  The  Spirit  of  Johannes  Thomasius'  Youth. 

9.  The  Soul  of  Ferdinand  Fox  in  the  realm  of 
Ahriman  (Scene  12).  He  appears  as  Ferdinand 
Fox  only  in  'The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold.' 

VII.  The  personalities  of  Benedictus  and  Maria 
also  appear  as  mental  experiences,  to  wit:  In  the 
second  scene  as  those  of  Johannes  Thomasius,  in 
the  third  scene  as  those  of  Strader.  Maria  appears 
thus  to  Johannes  Thomasius  in  Scene  9. 

VIII.  The  individualities  of  Benedictus,  Hilary 
True-to-God,  Magnus  Bellicosus,  Albertus  Torqua- 
tus,  Strader,  Capesius,  Felix  Balde,  Dame  Balde, 
Romanus,  Maria,  Johannes  Thomasius  and  Theo- 
dora appear  in  the  spirit-realm  in  the  fifth  and  sixth 


The  Soul's  Awakening         145 

scenes  of  this  play,  as  '  souls ' ;  and  in  the  temple  in 
the  seventh  and  eighth  scenes  as  personalities  living 
in  a  far  distant  past. 

In  connection  with  'The  Soul's  Awakening'  it  is 
advisable  again  to  draw  attention  to  a  point  already 
made  with  reference  to  the  preceding  soul-pictures. 
Neither  the  spiritual  nor  the  psychic  events  nor  the 
spiritual  beings  are  intended  to  be  mere  symbols  or 
allegories.  Anyone  interpreting  them  in  this  manner 
would  quite  misconceive  the  real  being  of  the  spiritual 
world.  Even  in  the  mental  experiences  which  are 
shown  (in  the  second,  third,  and  tenth  scenes)  nothing 
merely  symbolical  is  portrayed.  They  are  genuine 
psychic  experiences,  as  real  for  a  person  who  has 
access  to  the  spirit  world  as  are  persons  and  events  in 
the  world  of  the  senses.  Such  a  person  will  find  'The 
Awakening '  a  thoroughly  realistic  soul-picture.  Were 
the  case  one  of  mere  symbolism  or  allegory,  I  should 
certainly  have  left  these  scenes  unwritten. 

In  response  to  various  questions,  I  had  once  more 
attempted  to  add  a  few  'supplementary  remarks'  in 
explanation  of  this  'soul-picture;'  but  as  on  former 
occasions,  I  again  suppress  the  attempt.  I  feel  averse 
to  adding  material  of  this  kind  to  a  picture  intended 
to  speak  for  itself.  Such  abstract  considerations  have 
no  part  to  play  in  the  conception  and  working-out  of 
the  picture,  and  would  only  be  a  discordant  element. 
The  spiritual  realities,  here  set  forth,  present  them- 
selves to  the  soul  as  convincingly  as  physical  things 
present  themselves  to  our  bodily  perception.  Yet,  as 
is  natural,  an  unclouded  spiritual  vision  views  the 


146         The  Soul's  Awakening 

beings  and  events  shown  in  pictures  painted  by  spir- 
itual perception  otherwise  than  the  physical  percep- 
tions would  behold  the  same  beings  and  events.  On 
the  other  hand,  it  must  be  said  that  the  manner  in 
which  spiritual  events  array  themselves  before  the 
perception  of  the  soul  determines  alike  the  tendency 
and  construction  of  such  pictures. 


Scene  i 

Hilary's  office.      Fittings  not  very  modern.     He  is 
manufacturer  of  sawn  woodwork. 

Secretary: 
And  e'en  our  good  friends  in  St.  Georgestown 
Declare  that  they  too  are  dissatisfied. 

Manager: 
What  ?  even  they ;  it  is  deplorable. 
The  self -same  reasons  too ;  'tis  plain  to  see 
With  what  regret  and  pain  our  friends  announce 
That  they  can  deal  no  more  with  Hilary. 

Secretary: 
Complaints  of  our  unpunctuality 
And  of  the  value  of  our  goods  compared 
With  those  produced  by  our  competitors 
Reach  us  by  post ;  and  on  my  business  trips 
Our  clients  meet  me  with  the  same  old  tale. 
The  good  name  of  this  house  is  vanishing, 
By  Hilary's  forefathers  handed  down 
To  us  intact  that  we  might  heighten  it. 
And  men  begin  to  think  that  Hilary 
Is  swayed  by  dreamers  and  strange  fantasies, 
And,  thus  obsessed,  no  longer  can  bestow 

147 


148         The  Soul's  Awakening 

The  earnest  care  which  he  was  wont  to  give 

To  all  the  operations  of  the  firm, 

Whose  products  were  world-famous  and  unique. 

So  many  as  were  our  admirers  then 

So  great  is  now  the  tale  of  those  who  blame. 

Manager: 
It  is  notorious  that  Hilary 
Long  since  hath  let  himself  be  led  astray 
By  seekers  after  some  strange  spirit  gifts. 
To  such  pursuits  he  ever  was  inclined ; 
But  formerly  he  kept  them  separate 
From  business  and  its  workaday  routine. 
{Enter  Hilary.) 

Manager  {to  the  Secretary) : 
It  seems  advisable  to  me  to  speak 
Alone  with  our  employer  for  a  while. 

{Exit  Secretary.) 

Manager: 
Anxiety  it  is  that  bids  me  seek 
An  interview  and  earnest  speech  with  thee. 

Hilary: 
Why  then  does  my  adviser  feel  concerned  ? 

Manager: 
Things  happen  constantly  which  bring  to  light 
A  serious  diminution  in  demand 
For  what  we  manufacture ;  nor  do  we 
Produce  as  large  an  output  as  we  should. 
There  is  besides  an  increase  of  complaints 


The  Soul's  Awakening         i49 

About  the  lower  standard  of  our  work, 

And  other  houses  step  in  front  of  us. 

So  too  our  well-known  promptness  hath  declined 

As  many  clients  truthfully  attest. 

Ere  long  the  best  friends  that  remain  to  us 

No  more  will  be  content  with  Hilary. 

Hilary: 
Long  have  I  been  full  well  aware  of  this 
And  yet  indeed  it  leaves  me  unconcerned. 
But  none  the  less  I  feel  an  urgent  need 
To  talk  things  over  with  thee ;  thou  hast  helped 
Not  only  as  the  servant  of  my  house, 
But  also  as  my  dear  and  trusted  friend. 
And  so  I  shall  speak  plainly  to  thee  now 
Of  matters  which  I  oft  have  hinted  at. 
Whoever  wills  to  bring  the  new  things  in 
Must  be  content  to  let  the  old  things  die. 
Henceforth  the  business  will  be  carried  on 
In  different  ways  from  those  it  knew  before. 
Production,  that  but  stays  in  straitest  bounds 
And  without  care  doth  offer  up  its  fruits 
Upon  the  market  of  our  earthly  life 
Regardless  of  the  uses  they  may  find. 
Doth  seem  so  trivial  and  of  little  worth, 
Since  I  have  come  to  know  the  noble  form 
Work  can  assume  when  shaped  by  spirit-men. 
From  this  time  forth  Thomasius  shall  be 
Directing  artist  in  the  workshops  here, 
Which  I  shall  build  for  him  close  to  our  works. 
So  will  the  product  made  by  our  machines 
Be  moulded  by  his  will  in  artist-forms 


150         The  Soul's  Awakening 

And  thus  supply  for  daily  human  need 
The  useful  with  the  exquisite  combined, 
Art  and  production  shall  become  one  whole 
And  daily  life  by  taste  be  beautified. 
So  will  I  add  to  these  dead  forms  of  sense, 
For  thus  do  I  regard  our  output  now, 
A  soul,  whereby  they  may  be  justified. 

Manager  (after  long  reflection) : 
The  plan  to  fabricate  such  wonder-wares 
Suits  not  the  spirit  of  our  present  age. 
The  aim  of  all  production  now  must  be 
Complete  perfection  in  some  narrow  groove. 
The  powers  which  work  impersonally,  and  pour 
The  part  into  the  whole  in  active  streams, 
Confer  unthinkingly  upon  each  link 
A  worth  that  is  by  wisdom  not  bestowed. 
And  were  this  obstacle  not  in  thy  path 
Yet  would  thy  purpose  none  the  less  be  vain. 
That  thou  shouldst  find  a  man  to  realize 
The  plan  thou  hast  so  charmingly  conceived 
Passeth  belief,  at  least  it  passeth  mine. 

Hilary: 
Thou  knowest,  friend,  I  do  not  dream  vain  dreams. 
How  should  I  aim  at  such  a  lofty  goal 
Had  not  kind  fate  already  brought  to  me 
The  man  to  realize  what  I  propose  ? 
I  am  amazed  that  thine  eyes  cannot  see 
That  Strader  is,  in  fact,  this  very  man. 
And  one  who,  knowing  this  man's  inner  self. 
And  his  own  duty  to  humanity, 


The  Soul's  Awakening         151 

Conceives  one  of  his  duties  to  be  this; 
To  find  a  field  of  work  for  such  a  man, 
A  dreamer  is  no  proper  name  for  him. 

Manager  (after  manifesting  some  surprise) : 
Am  I  to  look  on  Strader  as  this  man? 
In  his  case  hath  it  not  been  manifest 
How  easily  deluded  mortals  are 
Who  lack  the  power  to  know  realities? 
That  his  contrivance  owes  to  spirit-light 
Its  origin  doth  not  admit  of  doubt. 
And  if  it  can  sometime  be  perfected 
Those  benefits  will  doubtless  pour  therefrom 
Which  Strader  thought  he  had  already  won. 
But  a  mere  model  it  will  long  remain 
Seeing  those  forces  are  still  undisclosed 
Whose  power  alone  will  give  reality. 
I  am  distressed  to  find  that  thou  dost  hope 
Good  will  result  from  giving  up  thy  plant 
Unto  a  man  who  came  to  grief  himself 
With  his  own  carefully  contrived  machine. 
'Tis  true  it  led  his  spirit  up  to  heights 
Which  ever  will  entice  the  souls  of  men, 
But  which  will  only  then  be  scaled  by  him 
When  he  hath  made  the  rightful  powers  his  own. 

Hilary: 
That  thou  must  praise  the  spirit  of  this  man 
And  yet  seek'st  cause  to  overthrow  his  work 
Doth  prove  most  clearly  that  his  worth  is  great. 
The  fault,  thou  sayest,  did  not  lie  in  him, 
That  failure  rather  than  success  was  his. 


152         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Among  us  therefore  he  will  surely  find 
His  proper  place;  for  here  there  will  not  be 
External  hindrances  to  thwart  his  plans. 

Manager: 
And  if,  despite  what  I  have  just  now  said, 
I  were  to  strive  within  myself  and  try 
To  tune  my  reason  to  thy  mode  of  thought, 
Still  one  more  point  compels  me  to  object. 
Who  will  in  future  value  this  thy  work? 
Or  show  such  comprehension  of  thine  aims 
As  to  make  use  of  what  thou  mayst  have  made? 
Thy  property  will  all  be  swallowed  up 
Before  thy  business  hath  been  well  begun, 
And  then  it  can  no  more  be  carried'  on. 

Hilary: 
I  willingly  admit  my  plans  would  show 
Themselves  imperfect,  if  amongst  mankind 
True  comprehension  were  not  first  aroused 
For  this  new  kind  and  style  of  handicraft. 
What  Strader  and  Thomasius  create 
Must  be  perfected  in  the  Sanctuary 
Which  I  shall  build  for  spirit  knowledge  here. 
What  Benedictus,  what  Capesius 
'And  what  Maria  yonder  shall  impart 
Will  show  to  man  the  path  that  he  should  tread 
And  make  him  feel  the  need  to  penetrate 
His  hiunan  senses  with  the  spirit's  light. 

Manager: 
And  so  thou  wouldst  endow  a  little  clique 
To  live  self-centred,  from  the. world  apart, 


The  Soul's  Awakening         153 

And  shut  thyself  from  all  true  human  life. 
Thou  fain  wouldst  banish  selfishness  on  earth 
Yet  wilt  thou  cherish  it  in  thy  retreat. 

Hilary: 
A  dreamer,  it  would  seem,  thou  thinkest  me, 
Who  thoughtlessly  denies  experience 
That  life  hath  brought  him.     Thus  should  I  appear 
Unto  myself  if,  for  one  moment's  space, 
I  held  this  view  thou  hast  about  success. 
The  cause  that  I  hold  dear  may  fail  indeed. 
Yet  even  if,  despised  by  all  mankind 
It  crumbles  into  dust  and  disappears, 
Yet  was  it  once  conceived  by  human  souls 
And  set  up  as  a  pattern  on  this  earth. 
In  spirit  it  will  work  its  way  in  life 
Although  it  stay  not  in  the  world  of  sense. 
It  will  contribute  part  of  that  great  power 
Which  in  the  end  will  make  it  come  to  pass 
That  earthly  deeds  are  wed  to  spirit  aims ; 
This  in  the  spirit-wisdom  is  foretold. 

Manager: 
I  am  thy  servant  and  have  had  my  say 
As  duty  and  conviction  bade  me  speak ; 
Yet  now  the  attitude  thou  hast  assumed 
Gives  me  the  right  to  speak  as  friend  to  friend. 
In  work  together  with  thee  I  have  felt 
Myself  impelled  for  many  a  year  to  seek 
A  personal  knowledge  of  the  things  to  which 
Thou  giv'st  thyself  with  such  self-sacrifice; 
My  only  guides  have  been  the  written  words 


154         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Wherein  the  spirit-wisdom  is  revealed. — 

And  though  the  worlds  are  hidden  from  my  gaze 

To  which  those  writings  had  directed  me, 

Yet  in  imagination  I  can  feel 

The  mental  state  of  men  whose  simple  trust 

Leads  them  to  seek  such  spirit-verities. 

I  have  found  confirmation  in  myself 

Of  what  the  experts  in  this  love  describe, 

As  being  the  possession  of  such  souls 

As  feel  themselves  at  home  in  spirit  realms. 

The  all-important  thing,  it  seems  to  me, 

Is  that  such  souls,  despite  their  utmost  care, 

Cannot  divide  illusions  from  the  Truth 

When  they  come  down  from  out  the  spirit  heights 

As  come  they  must,  back  into  earthly  life. 

Then  from  the  spirit  world,  so  newly  won, 

Visions  descend  upon  them  which  prevent 

Their  seeing  clearly  in  the  world  of  sense. 

And,  thus  misled,  their  judgment  goes  astray 

In  things  pertaining  to  this  life  on  earth. 

Hilary: 
What  thou  wouldst  raise  as  hindrance  to  my  work 
Doth  but  confirm  my  purpose;  thou  hast  proved 
That  in  thyself  I  now  have  one  friend  more 
To  stand  beside  me  in  my  search  for  truth. 
How  could  I  have  conjectured  up  till  now 
Thy  knowledge  of  the  nature  of  those  souls 
Who  fain  would  come  and  join  me  in  my  task? 
Thou  know'st  the  perils  ever  threat'ning  them. 
So  will  their  actions  make  it  clear  to  thee 
That  they  know  paths  where  they  are  kept  from  harm. 


The  Sours  Awakening         155 

Soon  thou  wilt  doubtless  know  that  this  is  so, 
And  I  shall  find  henceforth  as  in  the  past 
In  thee  a  counsellor,  who  doth  not  fail. 

Manager: 
I  cannot  lend  my  strength  to  fashion  deeds 
Whose  processes  I  do  not  understand. 
Those  men  in  whom  thou  trusted  seem  to  me 
Misled  by  the  illusion  I  have  named : 
And  others  too,  who  listen  to  their  words, 
Will  victims  to  that  same  illusion  fall 
Which  doth  o'erpower  all  thought  that  knows  its  goal. 
My  help  and  counsel  evermore  shall  be 
Thine  to  command  as  long  as  thou  dost  need 
Acts  based  upon  experience  on  earth; 
But  this  new  work  of  thine  is  not  for  me. 

Hilary: 
By  thy  refusal  thou  dost  jeopardize 
A  work  designed  to  further  spirit-aims. 
For  I  am  hampered  lacking  thine  advice. 
Consider  how  imperious  is  the  call 
Of  duty  when  fate  designs  to  make  a  sign, 
And  such  a  sign  I  cannot  but  behold 
In  these  men  being  here  at  our  behest. 

Manager: 
The  longer  thou  dost  speak  in  such  a  strain 
More  clearly  dost  thou  prove  thyself  to  me, 
The  unconscious  victim  of  illusion's  spell. 
Thy  purpose  is  to  serve  humanity, 
But  in  reality  thou  wilt  but  serve 


156        The  Soul's  Awakening 

The  group  which,  backed  by  thee,  will  have  the  means 

To  carry  on  awhile  its  spirit-dream. 

Soon  shall  we  here  behold  activities 

Ordained  no  doubt  by  spirit  for  these  souls, 

But  which  will  prove  a  mirage  to  ourselves 

And  must  destroy  the  harvest  of  our  work. 

Hilary: 
If  thou  wilt  not  befriend  me  with  thine  aid 
Drear  doth  the  future  stretch  before  my  soul. 
{Enter  Strader,  left.) 

Hilary: 
Dear  Strader,  I  have  long  expected  thee. 
As  things  are  now  it  seems  advisable 
To  spend  the  present  time  in  serious  talk 
And  later  on,  decide  what  we  shall  do. 
My  dear  old  friend  hath  just  confessed  to  me 
That  he  can  not  approve  what  we  have  planned. 
So  let  us  now  hear  counsel  from  the  man 
Who  promises  his  spirit  to  our  work. 
Much  now  depends  upon  how  at  this  time 
Men  recognize  each  other  in  their  souls. 
Who  each  to  each  seem  like  a  separate  world 
And  yet  united  could  accomplish  much. 

Strader: 
And  so  the  loyal  friend  of  Hilary 
Will  not  join  with  us  in  the  hopeful  work 
Which  our  friend's  wisdom  hath  made  possible? 
Yet  can  our  plan  alone  be  carried  out 
If  his  proved  skill  in  life  be  wisely  joined 
In  compact  with  the  aims  of  future  days. 


The  SouFs  Awakening         i57 

Manager: 
Not  only  will  I  hold  aloof  myself, 
But  I  would  also  make  clear  to  my  friend, 
That  this  design  hath  neither  aim  nor  sense. 

Strader: 
I  do  not  wonder  thou  should'st  hold  that  view 
Of  any  plan  in  which  I  am  concerned. 
I  saw  a  great  inception  come  to  grief 
Because  today  the  forces  still  are  hid 
Which  turn  clear  thought  to  sense  reality. 
'Tis  known  I  drew  from  spirit-light  the  thought, 
Which,  though  proved  true,  yet  had  no  life  on  earth. 
This  fact  doth  witness  'gainst  my  power  to  judge 
And  also  kills  belief  that  spirit  hides 
The  source  of  true  creation  on  the  earth. 

And  'twill  be  very  difficult  to  prove 
That  such  experience  hath  giv'n  me  power 
Not  to  fall  victim  for  the  second  time. 
For  I  must  needs  fall  into  error  once 
That  I  may  safely  reach  the  land  of  truth. 

Yet  'tis  but  natural  men  should  doubt  my  word. 

Thy  spirit  outlook  mc  ;t  especially 

Must  find  our  wisdom  promise  little  gain. 

I  hear  thee  praised  for  that  keen  sympathy 
Which  goes  out  from  thee  to  all  spirit-life, 
And  for  the  time  and  strength  thou  givest  it. 
But  it  is  also  said  that  thou  wouldst  keep 
Thy  work  on  earth  severely  separate 


158         The  Soul's  Awakening 

From  spirit-striving,  which  with  its  own  powers 
Would  work  creatively  in  thy  soul-life. 
To  this  pursuit  thou  wouldst  devote  alone 
Those  hours  which  earthly  labour  doth  not  claim. 
The  aim,  however,  of  the  spirit-tide 
Where  I  see  clear  life's  evolution  writ, 
Is  to  join  spirit-work  for  spirit-ends 
To  earthly  labours  in  the  world  of  sense. 

Manager: 
So  long  as  spirit  but  to  spirit  gives 
All  it  can  do  in  free  creative  might, 
It  raiseth  souls  in  human  dignity 
And  gives  them  reason  in  their  life  on  earth. 
But  when  it  seeks  to  live  out  its  own  self 
And  over  others'  selves  to  domineer 
It  straightway  doth  draw  nigh  the  realm  in  which 
Illusion  often  can  endanger  truth. 
This  knowledge  unto  which  I  have  attained 
By  personal  effort  in  the  spirit-world 
Doth  make  me  act  as  I  do  act  to-day; 
It  is  not  personal  preference,  as  thou, 
Misled  by  what  is  said  of  me,  wouldst  think. 

Strader: 
An  error  'tis  in  spirit-knowledge  then 
That  makes  thee  hostile  to  the  views  I  hold. 
Through  this  will  difficulties  multiply. 
No  doubt  'tis  easy  for  the  spirit-seer 
To  work  in  partnership  with  other  men 
Who  have  already  let  themselves  be  taught 
By  life  and  nature  what  existence  means. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         159 

But  when  ideas  which  claim  that  they  do  spring 
From  spirit  sources  join  reluctantly 
With  others  flowing  from  the  self -same  source, 
One  can  but  seldom  hope  for  harmony, 

{After  a  period  of  quiet  meditation.) 
Yet  that  which  must  will  surely  come  to  pass. 
Renewed  examination  of  my  plans  .  .  . 
Perhaps  may  make  thee  change  the  views,  to  which 
On  first  consideration  thou  dost  cling. 

Curtain  whilst  all  three  are  sunk  in  reflection 


Scene  2 

Mountainous  country;  in  the  distance,  Hilary's  house, 
which  is  in  the  vicinity  of  the  workshops,  which  are 
not  seen.  Hilary's  house  has  no  upper  floor;  no 
corners  or  angles,  and  is  crescent  shaped.  A  water- 
fall on  the  left  of  the  stage,  facing  audience.  A 
rivulet  runs  from  the  waterfall  between  little  rocks 
across  the  stage. 

Johannes  is  seen  sitting  on  a  rock  to  right.  Capesius 
left. 

Johannes: 
The  towering  masses  with  their  silent  life 
Brim  up  the  air  with  riddles  manifold ; 
Yet  ask  no  maddening  questions  such  as  slay 
A  soul  that  asks  not  for  experience 
But  only  for  serenity  in  which 
It  may  behold  life's  revelation  clear. 
See  how  these  colours  play  among  these  cliffs, 
How  calmly  dtmib  the  bare  expanses  lie, 
How  twilight  clothes  the  woods  in  green  and  blue; 
This  is  the  world  in  which  Johannes'  soul 
Will  rest  and  weave  to-morrow's  fantasies. 

Johannes'  soul  shall  feel  within  itself 
The  depths  and  distances  of  this  its  world; 

160 


The  Soul's  Awakening         i6i 

And  by  creative  powers  this  soul  shall  be 

Delivered  of  its  hidden  energy 

And  make  known  that  the  world's  enchantment  is 

Only  appearance  glorified  by  art. 

Yet  could  Johannes  ne'er  accomplish  this 

Did  not  Maria  through  her  love  awake 

With  gentle  soul-warmth  forces  in  his  soul. 

I  must  acknowledge  fate's  wise  leadership 

In  drawing  me  so  closely  unto  her. 

How  short  a  time  it  is  since  I  have  known 

That  she  is  by  my  side;  how  closely  knit 

Hath  been  in  these  few  weeks  Johannes'  soul 

Into  a  living  unity  with  hers. 

As  spirit  she  lives  in  me  though  far  off; 

She  thinks  within  my  thought  when  I  call  up 

Before  my  soul  the  objects  of  my  will. 

{Maria  appears  as  a  thought  oj  Johannes.) 

Johannes  (continuing) : 
Maria  here  before  me!  but  how  strange! 
She  must  not  thus  reveal  herself  to  me! 
This  stern  cold  spirit-face,  this  dignity 
That  chills  my  earthly  feelings — 'tis  not  thus 
Johannes  will  or  can  Maria  see 
Draw  nigh  to  him.     'Tis  not  Maria — this — 
Whom  by  kind  fate's  decree  wise  powers  have  sent. 

{Maria  disappears  from  Johannes'  vision.) 
Where  is  Maria  whom  Johannes  loved 
Before  she  had  transformed  his  soul  in  him 
And  led  it  up  to  ice-cold  spirit-heights  ? 
And  where  Johannes,  whom  Maria  loved, 
Where  is  he  now? — He  was  at  hand  e'en  now. 


1 62         The  Soul's  Awakening 

I  see  no  more  Johannes,  who  didst  give 
Me  back  unto  myself  with  joy.     The  past 
Cannot  and  shall  not  rob  me  of  him  thus. 

{Maria  again  appears  before  Johannes'  vision.) 


Maria: 
Maria  as  thou  fain  wouldst  her  behold 
Lives  not  in  worlds  where  shines  the  light  of  truth. 
Johannes'  spirit  treads  illusion's  realm 
By  fantasy  misled;  set  thyself  free 
From  strong  desire  and  its  alluring  power. 
I  feel  in  me  the  turmoil  of  thy  soul ; 
It  robs  me  of  the  calmness  that  I  need. 
'Tis  not  Johannes  who  directs  the  storm 
Into  my  soul;  it  is  some  other  man, 
O'er  whom  he  was  victorious  in  the  past. 
Now  as  a  wraith  it  roams  the  spirit -plains ; — 
Once  known  for  such  it  straight  will  fade  away. 

Johannes: 
That  is  Maria  as  she  really  is, 
Who  of  Johannes  speaks  as  he  appears 
To  his  own  vision  at  the  present  time. 
Long  since  into  another  form  he  rose 
Than  that  which  errant  fancy  paints  for  me 
Because  I  am  content  to  let  my  soul 
Amuse  itself  with  dreams  in  slothful  ease. 
But  not  yet  doth  this  being  hold  me  fast. 
Escape  from  him  I  still  can — and  I  will — 
He  often  calls  me  to  his  side  and  strives 
To  win  me  for  myself  by  his  own  powers — 


The  SouFs  Awakening         163 

Yet  will  I  strive  to  free  myself  from  him. 
Long  years  ago  he  flooded  my  soul's  depths 
With  spirit  being;  none  the  less  to-day 
No  more  do  I  desire  to  harbour  him. 

Thou  stranger  being  in  Johannes'  soul 
Forsake  me — give  me  back  my  pristine  self 
Before  thou  didst  commence  thy  work  in  me. 
I  would  behold  Johannes  free  of  thee. 

{Benedictus  appears  at  Maria's  side,  equally  as 
a  thought  of  Johannes.) 

Benedictus: 
Johannes,  heed  the  warning  of  thy  soul; 
The  man  who,  flooding  thee  with  spirit,  rose 
To  be  thy  nature's  primal  energy. 
Must  at  thy  side  still  hold  his  faithful  sway 
And  claim  that  thou  transform  his  being's  powers 
Through  thy  will  into  human  deeds.    He  must, 
Himself  concealed,  work  out  his  task  in  thee; 
That  thou  some  day  mayst  reach  what  thou  dost 

know 
To  be  thy  being's  distant  future  goal. 
Thy  personal  sorrow  thou  must  bear  through  life 
Fast  locked  within  the  chamber  of  thy  soul. 
So  only  shalt  thou  win  thyself,  if  thou 
Dost  bravely  let  him  own  thee  more  and  more. 

Maria  {seen  as  a  thought  of  Johannes) : 
My  holy  earnest  vow  doth  beam  forth  power 
Which  shall  preserve  for  thee  what  thou  hast  won. 
Me  shalt  thou  find  in  those  cold  fields  of  ice, 


1 64        The  Soul's  Awakening 

Where  spirits  must  create  light  for  themselves. 
When  darkness  wounds  and  maims  the  powers  of  life 
Seek  me  within  those  cosmic  depths  where  souls 
Wrestle  to  win  God-knowledge  for  themselves. 
By  conquest  that  wins  being  from  the  void; 
But  never  seek  me  in  the  realm  of  shades, 
Where  outlived  soul-experience  wins  by  guile 
A  transient  life  from  out  illusion's  web, 
And  dream's  frail  phantoms  can  the  spirit  cheat; 
So  that  in  pleasure  it  forgets  itself 
And  looks  on  serious  effort  with  distaste. 
{Benedictus  and  Maria  disappear.) 

Johannes: 
She  saith  illusion  .  .  , 

.  .  .  yet  'tis  passing  fair. 
It  lives ;  Johannes  feels  it  in  himself, 
He  feels  Maria's  nearness  in  him  too. 
Johannes  will  not  know  how  spirit  works 
To  solve  the  riddles  of  the  soul's  dark  depths. 
He  will  create  and  will  as  artists  work. 
So  may  that  part  of  him  still  lie  concealed, 
Which  consciously  would  gaze  on  cosmic  heights. 
{He  sinks  into  further  meditation.) 
(Capesius  rises  from  his  seat;  as  it  were  arousing 
himself  out  of  deep  thought.) 

Capesius: 
Did  I  not  clearly  feel  within  my  soul 
That  which  Johannes,  dreaming  over  there. 
Wrought  as  the  pictures  of  his  longing  heart? 
Within  me  glowed  to  life  thoughts  not  mine  own — 


The  Soul's  Awakening         165 

Such  as  he  only  could  originate. 
The  being  of  his  soul  lived  in  mine  own, 
I  saw  him  younger  grown,  as  he  beheld 
Himself  through  vain  illusion,  and  did  mock 
The  ripe  fruits  that  his  spirit  had  achieved. 

But  hold!     Why  do  I  now  experience  this? 
For  seldom  may  the  spirit-searcher  see 
The  being  in  himself  of  other  souls. 

I  mind,  that  Benedictus  often  said 
That  only  he — and  only  for  a  while — 
Can  do  this,  whose  good  destiny  ordains 
That  he  shall  be  upraised  one  further  step 
Upon  the  spirit  path.     May  I  thus  read 
The  meaning  of  what  happened  even  now  ? 
Seldom  indeed  could  this  thing  be  allowed; 
For  'twould  be  terrible  if  aye  the  seer 
Could  see  the  inner  being  of  men's  souls. 

Did  I  see  truly? — or  could  it  have  been 
Illusion  let  me  dream  another's  soul  ? 
I  must  enquire  from  Johannes  himself. 

{Capesius  approaches  Johannes,  who  now  notices 
him  for  the  first  time.) 

Johannes: 
Capesius — I  thought  thee  far  from  here. 

Capesius: 
Yet  my  soul  felt  itself  quite  near  to  thine. 


1 66         The  Sours  Awakening 

Johannes: 
Near  mine — at  such  a  time — it  cannot  be ! 

Capesius: 
Why  dost  thou  shudder  at  these  words  of  mine? 

Johannes: 
I  do  not  shudder  .  .  . 

(At  this  moment  Maria  joins  them;   this  enables 
both  Johannes  and  Capesius  to  speak  their 
next  words  to  themselves.) 
{To  himself)'. 
.  .  .  how  his  steady  glance 
Doth  pierce  me  to  mine  inmost  depths  of  soul. 

Capesius  {to  himself) : 
His  shudder  shows  me  that  I  saw  aright. 

{Capesius  turns  to  Maria.) 
Maria,  thou  dost  come  in  fitting  time. 
Perhaps  thy  tongue  may  speak  some  word  of  cheer. 
To  solve  the  problem  which  oppresseth  me. 

Maria: 
I  thought  to  find  Johannes  here,  not  thee. 
Forboding  bade  me  seek  the  problem's  weight 
In  him — but  thou,  I  fancied,  wast  content, 
Devoted  to  that  glorious  enterprise 
Which  we  are  offered  here  by  Hilary. 

Capesius: 
What  care  I  for  it  ?     It  disturbs  me  now — 


The  Soul's  Awakening         167 

Maria: 
Disturbs  thee?     Didst  thou  not  express  delight 
To  think  thy  projects  might  be  realized? 

Capesius: 
What  I  have  lived  through  in  this  fateful  horn- 
Hath  changed  the  former  purpose  of  my  soul, 
Since  all  activity  in  work  on  earth 
Must  rob  me  of  my  new  clairvoyant  powers. 

Maria: 
Whoe'er  is  suffered  to  tread  spirit-ways 
Finds  many  a  hint  to  shape  his  destiny. 
On  soul  paths  he  will  try  to  follow  them, 
Yet  they  have  not  been  rightly  understood 
If  they  disturb  his  duties  on  the  earth. 

{Capesius  sits,  and  is  plunged  in  thought  while 
the  vision  of  Lucifer  appears  to  Maria.) 

Lucifer: 
Thine  effort  will  not  bring  thee  much  reward. 
New  force  begins  to  stir  within  his  heart 
That  opes  the  portal  of  his  soul  to  me. 
Maria,  gaze  with  thy  clairvoyant  sight 
Upon  his  inmost  soul;  and  there  behold 
How  he  doth  free  himself  on  spirit-wings 
From  thy  warm  loving  bonds  of  work  on  earth. 
{Lucifer  remains  on  the  scene) 
{Maria  turns  towards  Capesius  to  rouse  him  from 
his  meditation,  but  at  the  same  moment  he 
seems  to  rouse  himself  of  his  own  accord.) 


1 68         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Maria: 
If  on  the  spirit-path  Johannes  felt 
The  nature  of  his  duties  hinder  him, 
'Twould  not  be  right,  though  so  it  might  appear. 
He  needs  must  work  upon  the  outer  plane. 
Thy  task  is  to  expound  the  spirit-lore 
To  other  men  and  such  a  task  as  this 
Cannot  impede  the  progress  of  thy  soul. 


Capesius: 
Far  more  than  when  they  work  on  outer  things 
Do  spirit  forces  lose  themselves  in  words. 
Words  make  one  reason  o'er  what  one  has  seen. 
And  reason  is  a  foe  to  seership's  power. 
I  had  a  spirit-vision  even  now 
Which  only  could  disclose  itself  to  me 
Because  the  soul  which  was  revealed  to  me, 
Although  our  earthly  bodies  are  close  friends, 
Had  never  been  by  me  quite  understood 
If  I  saw  truly,  I  am  no  more  bound 
By  any  ties  unto  this  work  of  earth. 
For  I  must  feel  persuaded  that  high  Powers 
Now  set  another  goal  before  my  soul 
Than  that  prescribed  for  it  by  Hilary. 

{He  places  himself  in  front  of  Johannes.) 

Capesius: 
Johannes,  tell  me  truly,  didst  thou  not 
A  while  ago  feel  old,  outlived  desires 
That  lived  within  thee  like  thy  present  self, 
While  thou  wast  lost  in  meditation  deep? 


The  Soul's  Awakening         169 

Johannes: 
Can  then  my  spirit's  struggle  work  to  fonn 
Experience  within  another's  soul? 
And  can  such  vision  make  mine  error  strong 
To  find  its  way  to  life  in  cosmic  space? 

{Johannes  again  falls  into  meditation.) 
{Maria  turns  her  face  towards  Lucifer  and  hears 
him  say:) 

Lucifer: 

Here  too  I  find  the  soul's  gate  open  wide. 

I'll  not  delay  but  use  this  chance  at  once. 

If  also  in  this  soul  a  spirit-wish 

Is  born,  that  work  of  love  must  come  to  naught 

Which  doth  bode  ill  to  me  through  Hilary. 

I  can  destroy  Maria's  might  in  him: 

And  thus  can  add  her  power  unto  mine  own 

{Capesius  at  this  moment  straightens  up  self- 
consciously, and,  during  the  following  speech, 
shows  an  increasingly  definite  conviction^ 

Capesius: 
My  doubts  dissolve — that  which  I  saw  was  true; 
I  was  allowed  to  see  Johannes'  life. 
So  is  it  also  clear  that  his  world  could 
Only  unfold  itself  because  mine  own 
Would  never  draw  near  his  and  comprehend 
The  spirit-path  doth  ask  for  solitude. 
Co-operation  is  but  meant  for  those 
Who  comprehend  each  others'  hopes  and  aims. 
A  soul  which  sets  humanity  aside 
Attains  the  wide  bounds  of  the  worlds  of  light. 


170         The  Soul's  Awakening 

A  pattern  in  old  Felix  can  I  find, 

He  seeks  on  paths  that  none  but  he  may  know 

In  proud  seclusion  for  the  spirit-light. 

He  sought  and  found  because  he  kept  himself 

From  ever  grasping  things  by  reason's  strength. 

In  his  track  will  I  follow,  and  thy  work. 

Which  hampers  seership's  power  with  earthly  things, 

Shall  no  more  lead  Capesius  astray. 

(Exit.) 

Maria: 
So  'tis  with  man,  what  time  his  better  self 
Sinks  into  spirit-sleep  and  strong  desire 
Is  all  his  being's  food;  until  again 
True  spirit-nature  wakes  in  glowing  light. 
Such  is  the  sleep  all  himian  beings  sleep 
Before  clairvoyant  powers  have  wakened  them. 
They  know  not  they  are  sleeping,  though  awake; 
They  seem  awake,  because  they  ever  sleep. 
The  seer  doth  sleep,  when  to  this  waking  state 
He  struggles  forth  from  out  his  real  self. 
Capesius  will  now  withdraw  from  us. 
It  is  no  transient  whim ;  his  mental  life 
Draws  him  away  from  us  and  from  our  plans. 
It  is  not  he  that  turns  himself  from  us. 
The  dread  decree  of  fate  is  plainly  seen. 
And  so  we  who  are  left  must  consecrate 
Our  powers  with  more  devotion  to  our  work. 

Johannes: 
Maria,  do  not  of  Johannes  ask 
That  for  new  aims  at  such  a  time  as  this 


The  Soul's  Awakening         171 

He  should  gird  up  his  soul,  which  like  all  souls 
Needs  spirit-sleep  in  which  it  may  mature 
The  forces  which  are  germinating  there. 
I  know  that  I  in  time  to  come  shall  dare 
To  work  for  spirit-worlds — but  do  not  now 
Appeal  to  me  for  services — not  now. 
Think  how  I  drove  away  Capesius  .  .  . 
Were  I  ripe  for  this  work — he  would  be,  too. 

Maria: 
Capesius  away?     Dost  thou  not — dream? 

Johannes: 
I  dreamed  while  conscious  .  .  .  yea,  I  woke  in  dreams. 
What  would  seem  fantasy  to  cosmic  powers 
To  me  proved  symbol  that  I  was  mature. 
Right  well  I  know  my  wish  was  my  true  self; 
My  thinking  only  was  another  self. 
And  so  Johannes  stood  before  my  soul 
As  once  he  was,  ere  spirit  seized  on  him 
And  filled  his  being  with  a  second  self. 
Johannes  is  not  dead;  ...  a  living  wish 
Createth  him  companion  of  my  soul. 
I  may  have  stunned  him,  but  not  overthrown. 
A  living  man,  he  claims  his  natural  rights 
Whene'er  that  other  self  must  sink  to  sleep. 
And  to  wake — always  that — exceeds  its  powers. 
Asleep  it  was  throughout  that  time  in  which 
Capesius  could  live  within  himself. 
How  my  first  nature  tore  me  from  myself. 
My  dreams  did  seem  to  him  the  sign  of  fate; 
And  so  in  me  and  not  in  him  doth  work 


172         The  Soul's  Awakening 

The  power  which  drove  him  forth,  and  which  forbids 
Our  spirit  to  be  turned  to  work  on  earth. 

Maria: 
The  spirit-powers  are  coming — call  on  them. 
To  cosmic  spirit-sources  turn  thy  gaze 
And  wait  until  the  powers  within  those  depths 
Discover  that  within  thine  own  true  self 
Which  stirs  with  conscious  life  akin  to  theirs. 
Their  magic  words  will  show  thine  inward  sight 
That  which  makes  them  and  thee  a  unity. 
Cast  out  thine  own  brain's  interfering  speech, 
That  spirit  may  speak  in  thee  as  it  wills; 
And  to  this  spirit-speech  give  thou  due  heed. 
'Twill  carry  thee  beyond  the  spheres  of  light 
And  link  thee  to  true  spirit-essence  there. 
Thy  misty  visions  sprung  from  times  long  past 
Will  then  grow  sharp  and  clear  in  cosmic  light, 
But  will  not  bind  thee  since  thou  hast  control. 
Compare  them  with  these  elemental  forms, 
With  shadows  and  with  phantoms  of  all  kinds, 
And  place  them  near  to  demons  manifold 
And  so  discover  what  they  really  are. 
But  in  the  realm  of  spirits  root  thyself 
Who  primal  source  to  primal  source  do  bind. 
Who  dwell  close  linked  with  dormant  cosmic  powers 
And  order  the  processions  of  the  spheres. 
This  view  of  cosmic  things  will  give  thee  strength, 
Amid  the  surging  sea  of  spirit-life, 
To  blend  thyself  and  inmost  soul  in  one. 

The  spirit  bids  me  tell  thee  this  myself; 


The  Sours  Awakening         173 

But  now  give  ear  to  what  thou  knowest  well 
Though  'tis  not  wedded  yet  to  thy  soul-depths. 

Johannes  {still  sitting  on  a  rock  to  right  of  stage.    He 
collects  himself  for  a  determined  effort) : 

I  will  give  ear — I  will  defy  myself. 

{From  both  sides  advance  elemental  spirits. 
From  the  right  of  stage  creatures  like  gnomes. 
They  have  steel-blue-grey  bodies,  small  as 
compared  with  men;  they  are  nearly  all  head, 
but  it  is  bent  forward  and  downward,  and  is 
lilac  and  purple  in  color,  with  tendrils  and 
gills  of  various  shades  of  the  same  hue.  Their 
limbs  are  long  and  mobile,  suitable  for  ges- 
ticulation, but  ill-adapted  for  walking.  From 
the  left  of  stage  come  sylph-like  figures, 
slender  and  almost  headless;  their  feet  and 
hands  are  partly  fins  and  partly  wings. 
Some  of  them  are  bluish-green,  others  yellow- 
ish-red. The  yellowish-red  ones  are  dis- 
tinguished by  sharper  outlines  than  the  bluish 
green  ones.  The  words  spoken  by  these 
figures  are  accompanied  by  expressive  ges- 
tures developing  into  a  dance.) 

Chorus  of  the  Gnomes  {dancing,  hopping,  and  gesticu- 
lating in  rhythm) : 
We  harden,  we  strengthen  {said  sharply  and  quickly) 
The  nebulous  earth-dust ; 
We  loosen,  we  powder 
Hard-crusted,  earth-boulders; 


174         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Swift  shatter  we  the  hard, 

Slow  harden  we  the  loose. 

Such  is  our  spirit-kind. 

Of  mental  matter  formed 

Full-skilled  were  we  before 

When  human  souls  still  slept  {said  slowly  and  dreamily) 

And  dreamed  when  earth  began. 

Chorus  of  the  Sylphs  {a  swaying  motion  in  rhythm) : 
We  weave  and  we  unweave 
The  web  of  watery  air; 
We  scatter  and  divide 
Seed  forces  from  the  sun; 
Light-force  condense  with  care; 
Pruit-powers  destroy  with  skill; 
For  such  is  our  soul-kind 
From  rays  of  feeling  poured, 
Which  ever-living  glows 
That  mankind  may  enjoy 
Earth-evolution's  sense. 

Chorus  of  the  Gnomes  {dancing,  hopping,  and  gesticu- 
lating in  rhythm) : 
We  titter  and  we  laugh  {said  sharply  and  quickly) 
We  banter  and  grimace, 
When  stumbling  human  sense 
And  fumbling  human  mind 
Beholds  what  we  have  made; 
They  think  they  understand 
When  spirits  from  our  age 

Weave  charms  for  their  dull  eyes  {said  slowly  and  em- 
phatically). 


The  Soul's  Awakening         175 

Chorus  of  the  Sylphs  {a  swaying  motion  in  rhythm) : 

We  take  care,  and  we  tend, 

Bear  fruit  and  in  spirit, 

When  young  mankind's  dawn-life 

And  old  mankind's  errors 

Consume  what  we  have  made 

And  childlike  or  greyhaired 

Find  in  time's  stream  dull  joy 

From  our  eternal  plans. 

{These  spirit-beings  collect  in  two  irregular 
groups  in  the  background,  and  remain  there 
visible.  From  the  right  appear  the  three  soul- 
forces:  Philia,  Astrid,  and  Luna  with  'the 
other  Philia. ') 

Philia: 
They  ray  out  the  light 
As  loving  light-forms 
To  ripeness  so  blest. 
So  gently  they  warm 
And  mightily  heat 
Where  embryo  growth 
Would  reach  actual  life; 
That  this  actual  life, 
May  make  souls  rejoice 
Who  lovingly  yield 
To  radiant  light. 

Astrid: 
'Tis  life  that  they  weave, 
And  help  create. 
In  up-springing  men, 


176        The  Soul's  Awakening 

They  shatter  the  earth 
And  densify  air; 
That  change  may  appear 
In  strenuous  growth. 
Such  strenuous  growth 
Fills  spirits  with  joy 
Who  feel  that  they  weave 
A  life  which  creates. 

Luna: 

They  thoughtfully  mould, 
Alert  to  create 
In  flexible  stuff; 
They  sharpen  the  edge 
And  flatten  the  face, 
And  cunningly  build 
The  clearly-cut  forms ; 
That  clearly-cut  forms 
The  will  may  inspire 
With  cunning  to  build, 
Alert  to  create. 

The  Other  Philia: 
They  gather  the  blooms 
And  use  without  care 
The  magical  works ; 
They  dream  of  the  true 
And  guard  'gainst  the  false; 
That  germs  which  lie  hid 
May  wake  into  life. 
An4  clairvoyant  dreams 
Make  clear  unto  souls 


The  Soul's  Awakening         i77 

The  magical  web 

That  forms  their  own  life. 

{These  four  soul-forces  disappear  towards  the 
left;  Johannes,  who  during  the  preceding 
events  was  deep  in  meditation,  rouses  him- 
self.) 

Johannes: 
'  And  clairvoyant  dreams 
Make  clear  unto  souls 
The  magical  web 
That  forms  their  own  life.* 
These  are  the  words  that  still  distinctly  ring 
Within  my  soul ;  that  which  I  saw  before 
Passed  in  confusion  out  of  my  soul's  ken. 

Yet  what  a  power  stirs  in  me,  when  I  think ; 

'The  magical  web 

That  forms  their  own  life.' 

{He  relapses  once  more  into  meditation;  there 
appears  to  him  as  a  thought-form  of  his  own 
a  group  composed  of:  The  Spirit  of  Johannes 
Youth,  with  Lucifer  on  its  right  and  Theo- 
dora's soul  on  its  left.) 

The  Spirit  of  Johannes'  Youth: 
The  life  within  thy  wishes  feeds  my  life, 
My  breath  drinks  thirstily  thy  youthful  dreams; 
I  am  alive  when  thou  dost  not  desire 
To  force  thy  way  to  worlds  I  cannot  find. 
If  in  thyself  thou  losest  me,  I  must 


178         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Do  grievous  painful  service  to  grim  shades : — 

0  guardian  of  my  life  .  .  .  forsake  me  not. 

Lucifer: 
He  never  will  forsake  thee, — I  behold 
Deep  in  his  nature  longings  after  light 
Which  cannot  follow  in  Maria's  steps. 
And  when  the  radiance  which  is  born  of  them 
Doth  fully  light  Johannes'  artist-soul 
It  must  bear  fruit ;  nor  will  he  be  content 
To  cast  this  fruit  away  in  yonder  realm 
Where  love  divorced  from  beauty  reigns  alone. 
His  self  will  no  more  seem  of  worth  to  him 
Which  fain  would  cast  his  best  gifts  to  the  shades 
Because  it  sets  by  knowledge  too  much  store. 
When  wisdom  shall  throw  light  on  his  desires 
Their  glorious  worth  will  be  revealed  to  him ; 
He  only  can  think  them  of  little  worth 
So  long  as  they  hide  darkly  in  the  soul. 
Until  they  can  attain  to  wisdom's  light 

1  will  be  thy  protector — through  the  light 
I  find  deep-seated  in  the  human  soul. 

He  has  as  yet  no  pity  for  thy  woes, 
And  ever  lets  thee  sink  among  the  shades 
When  he  is  striving  up  the  heights  of  light. 
For  then  he  can  forget  that  thou,  his  child. 
Must  lead  a  miserable  phantom  life. 
But  henceforth,  thou  wilt  find  me  at  thy  side 
When  as  a  shade  thou  freezest  through  his  fault. 
I  will  exert  my  rights  as  Lucifer 

{At  the  word  'Lucifer'  the  spirit  of  Johannes' 
youth  starts.) 


The  Soul's  Awakening         179 

Reserved  to  me  by  ancient  cosmic  law, 
And  occupy  those  depths  within  his  soul 
He  leaves  unguarded  in  his  spirit-flight. 
I'll  bring  thee  treasure  that  will  light  for  thee 
The  dark  seclusion  of  the  shadow-realms. 
But  thou  wilt  not  be  fully  freed  till  he 
Can  once  again  unite  himself  with  thee. 
This  act  he  can  delay  .  .  .  but  not  prevent. 
For  Lucifer  will  well  protect  his  rights. 

Theodora: 
Thou  spirit-child,  thou  liv'st  Johannes'  youth 
In  gloomy  shadow-realms.     To  thee  in  love 
Bends  down  the  soul  which  o'er  Johannes  broods 
From  realms  ablaze  with  light,  aglow  with  love. 
She  will  from  thine  enchantment  set  thee  free 
If  thou  wilt  take  so  much  of  what  she  feels 
As  shall  procure  thee  life  in  blessedness. 
I  will  ally  thee  with  the  elements 
Which  labour  unaware  in  cosmic  space 
Withdrawing  ever  far  from  waking  souls. 
With  those  earth-spirits  thou  canst  fashion  forms, 
And  with  the  fire-souls  thou  canst  ray  out  power, 
If  thou  wilt  sacrifice  thy  conscious  life 
Unto  the  will  that  works  with  light  and  power 
But  without  human  wisdom.    So  shalt  thou 
Preserve  thy  knowledge,  only  half  thine  own. 
From  Lucifer,  and  to  Johannes  give 
The  services  which  are  of  worth  to  him. 
From  his  soul's  being  I  will  bring  to  thee 
What  causeth  him  to  crave  thy  being's  aid, 
And  find  refreshment  in  the  spirit-sleep. 


i8o         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Lucifer: 
But  beauty  she  can  ne'er  bestow  on  thee 
Since  I  myself  dare  take  it  far  from  her. 

Theodora: 
From  noble  feeling  I  will  find  the  germ 
Of  beauty  which  grows  ripe  through  sacrifice. 

Lucifer: 
Prom  free-will  she  will  tear  thee  and  instead 
Give  thee  to  spirits  who  dwell  in  the  dark. 

Theodora: 
I  shall  awaken  sight  by  spirit  filled 
That  e'en  from  Lucifer  knows  itself  free. 

{Lucifer,  Theodara,  and  the  Spirit  of  Johannes' 
youth  disappear.  Johannes,  awaking  from 
his  meditation,  sees  'the  other  Philia'  ap- 
proaching him.) 

The  Other  Philia: 
And  clairvoyant  dreams 
Make  clear  unto  souls 
The  magical  web 
That  forms  their  own  life. 

Johannes: 
Thou  riddle-speaking  spirit — at  thy  words 
This  world  I  entered !    Of  its  mysteries 
One  only — is  important  for  my  soul : 
Whether,  as  living  in  the  spirit  worlds, 
The  shadow  dwells  who  sought  with  Lucifer 
And  Theodora  to  be  shown  to  me. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         i8i 

The  Other  Philia: 
He  lives — and  by  thyself  was  waked  to  life. 
E'en  as  a  glass  in  pictures  doth  reflect 
All  things  by  light  upon  its  surface  thrown 
So  must  whate'er  in  spirit-realms  thou  see'st — 
Ere  full  maturity  gives  thee  the  right 
To  such  clairvoyance — mirrored  be  in  life 
Within  the  realm  of  half -waked  spirit-shades. 

Johannes: 
'Tis  but  a  picture,  mirrored  thus  by  me  ? 

The  Other  Philia: 
Yet  one  that  lives  and  keeps  its  hold  on  life 
So  long  as  thou  dost  keep  within  thyself 
An  outlived  self  which  thou  indeed  canst  stun 
But  which  as  yet  thou  canst  not  overthrow. 
Johannes,  thine  awakening  is  but  false 
Until  thou  shalt  thyself  set  free  the  shade 
Whom  thine  offence  doth  lend  a  magic  life. 

Johannes: 
What  thanks  I  owe  this  spirit,  who  brings  truth 
Into  my  soul — I  needs  must  follow  it. 

Curtain  falls  slowly,  while  '  the  other  Philia '  and 
Johannes  remain  quietly  standing. 


Scene  3 

The  Same. 

{Enter  left,  Magnus  Bellicosus,  Romanus,  Torquatus, 
and  Hilary,  in  deep  conversation,  and  pausing  in 
their  walk.) 

Bellicosus: 
And  if  his  headstrong  mood  will  not  be  changed, 
How  can  prosperity  attend  the  work 
Which  Hilary  is  fain  to  dedicate 
In  loving  service  to  his  fellowmen? 

Romanus: 
What  our  friend's  true  companion  in  his  work 
Did  give  as  reason  why  he  did  object, 
Hath  weight  not  only  amongst  men  who  form 
Opinions  based  on  outer  facts  of  life. 
Are  not  these  arguments  advanced  by  him 
Also  in  harmony  with  mystic  views  ? 

Bellicosus: 
Yet  it  lies  not  within  the  spirit  group 
Which  holds  our  projects  in  its  firm  embrace. 
Those  who  succeeded  to  our  mystic  task 
Were  Benedictus'  pupils; — 'tis  for  them 
That  Hilary  would  make  a  field  of  work 

182 


The  Soul's  Awakening         183 

In  which  their  spirit-fruitage  can  mature. 
The  wise  powers  ruling  over  destiny- 
Have,  in  the  temple,  joined  them  to  ourselves; 
Our  friend,  however,  represents  alone 
The  wisdom  which  to  us  within  the  shrine 
As  spirit-law  and  duty  was  revealed. 

Romaniis: 
But  art  thou  sure  that  thou  dost  understand 
This  spirit-law  ?     More  simply  it  might  mean 
That  Benedictus  and  his  pupils  too, 
Whom  in  his  way  he  to  the  spirit  led, 
Should  still  remain  within  the  temple's  shrine 
And  not  at  this  time  tread  the  hard  rough  road 
To  which  friend  Hilary  would  lead  them  on. 
For  but  too  easily  can  spirit-sight 
Be  turned,  upon  that  road,  to  soul's  dream-sleep. 

Bdlicosiis: 
I  did  not  hope  to  hear  such  words  from  thee 
To  Hilary's  companion  in  his  work. 
We  must  indeed  allow  that  knowledge  gained 
From  books  alone  is  but  of  little  worth. 
But  thou  art  bound  to  recognize  the  signs 
Which  are  begotten  on  the  mystic  way. 
How  Benedictus'  pupils  were  impelled 
To  come  to  us,  speaks  clearly  to  our  souls. 
They  are  joined  with  us  that  we  may  obey 
What  their  clairvoyance  doth  to  them  reveal. 

Torquatus: 
Another  sign  doth  still  make  manifest 
That  full  rich  blessing  from  the  spirit-powers 


184         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Upon  that  project  hath  not  been  outpoured 
Which  in  the  temple  showed  itself  to  us. 
Capesius  hath  now  withdrawn  himself 
From  Benedictus  and  his  pupils'  group. 
That  he  should  not  yet  in  its  fullness  feel 
The  wakefulness  of  soul  which  now  in  him 
Doth  Benedictus  seek,  doth  cast  sad  doubt 
E'en  on  our  teacher's  personal  competence. 

Bellicosus: 
The  gift  of  seership  lies  still  far  from  me : 
Yet  intuition  often  doth  reveal 
Within  my  soul  the  meaning  of  events. 
When  for  the  first  time  in  our  sacred  fane 
I  saw  Capesius  within  our  group 
The  thought  oppressed  me,  that  fate  set  him  there 
To  be  both  near  to  us  and  yet  far  off. 

Romanus: 
Thine  intuition  I  can  fully  grasp. 
But  at  that  very  moment  none  amongst 
Our  new-found  mystic  friends  so  closely  knit 
By  fate  to  us  as  Strader,  could  I  find. 
Such  intuition  is  to  me  a  sign 
To  show  my  soul  the  road,  where  I  may  then 
With  reason  search;  and  when  I  come  to  act 
I  must  destroy  that  intuition  first 
Which  gave  strength  and  direction  to  my  thought. 
Thus  mysticism's  strict  decrees  ordain. 
In  spirit-realms  I  find  myself  in  truth 
With  Benedictus'  pupils  close  allied; 
Yet,  if  I  leave  my  inner  mystic  group 


The  Soul's  Awakening         185 

And  find  my  way  back  into  life  on  earth, 
By  Strader's  side  alone  dare  I  do  this. 

Torguatus: 
But  Hilary's  companion  in  his  work 
Finds  not  in  Strader's  soul  true  spirit-strength 
Such  as  can  prove  of  use  in  outer  life. 
And  if  myself  I  heed  my  inner  voice 
It  is  revealed  that  he  entirely  lacks 
The  rightful  mood  to  tread  the  mystic  path. 
What  outward  signs  can  show  him  of  these  things 
And  what  his  reason  grasps  of  spirit-life, 
Arouse  the  explorer's  zeal  in  him; 
From  inward  spirit-life  he  stands  far  off. 
What  can  the  spirit  products  of  this  man 
Be  but  obscurely  woven  mystic  dreams? 

Romanus: 
Upon  the  spirit  path  his  friends  have  trod; 
He  hath  not  made  sufficient  progress  yet 
To  join  himself  to  foes  of  his  own  soul, 
Who  bring  to  many  mystics  danger  great 
When  they  pursue  him  into  life  on  earth. 

Bellicosus: 
If  thou  dost  think  him  safe  from  such  attacks 
Nought  hinders  thee  from  working  for  him  there 
So  that  this  great  scheme  may  be  brought  to  pass 
Which  Hilary  would  carry  out  through  him. 
For  when  our  friend's  companion  comes  to  know 
How  highly  thou  dost  rate  the  man  whom  he 
Dares  think  of  little  worth,  he  will  in  truth 


1 86         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Misdoubt  his  own  opinion.     Thou  alone 
Canst  win  him  over  to  the  cause  we  serve. 
For  well  he  knows  that  in  thine  outer  life 
Thou  hast  invariably  achieved  success 
In  all  thou  hast  essayed  with  forethought  wise. 

Romanus: 
If  thou  wilt  Strader  take,  dear  Hilary, 
As  thy  companion,  and,  from  this  thy  work 
Keep  Benedictus'  other  followers 
On  spirit  paths  from  all  illusion  free. 
Thou  shalt  not  stand  alone ; — I  offer  thee 
Not  only  what  now  Bellicosus  asks 
As  my  assistance;  but  will  also  help 
With  all  the  worldly  goods  at  my  command 
In  making  Strader's  plan  a  real  success. 

Hilary: 
How  canst  thou  think  that  Strader  at  this  time 
From  Benedictus'  pupils  would  depart? 
To  follow  his  own  spirit-aims  alone? 
The  others  are  as  near  him  as  himself. 

Romanus: 
In  human  life  they  well  may  stand  so  close. 
But  only  that  part  of  his  soul  can  hold 
That  they  in  spirit  too  are  one  with  him, 
Which  still  is  deeply  sunk  in  spirit-sleep 
But  soon,  methinks,  it  will  be  evident 
How  that  part  can  grow  ripe  to  waking  life. 

{Exeunt  right.) 


The  Soul's  Awakening         187 

{Enter  left — Capesius,  Strader,  Felix  Balde,  and 
Dame  Balde;  as  if  coming  to  a  standstill 
during  their  talk  because  of  the  importance 
to  them  of  the  following  dialogue.) 

Capesius: 
To  seek  the  spirit  in  mine  inmost  soul 
Is  all  that  I  can  do  at  such  a  time. 
Were  I  to  load  myself  with  outward  work, 
That  spirit  might  be  brought  to  realms  of  sense, 
With  rashness  should  I  strive  to  grasp  the  cause 
Of  being  in  those  worlds  whose  essence  true 
I  have  not  fully  grasped  within  myself. 
Of  cosmic  being  I  can  see  no  more 
Than  hath  already  shaped  itself  in  me. 
How  shall  my  work  do  good  to  other  men 
If  in  creating  I  but  please  myself  ? 

Strader: 
Thy  meaning  is,  I  take  it,  that  thy  work 
Will  only  carry  thine  own  being's  stamp; 
And  in  that  work,  thou  dost  but  manifest 
To  outward  cosmic  life  thy  personal  self? 

Capesius: 
Till  I  encounter  with  mine  inner  world 
A  being  strange  to  me,  'tis  even  so. 
How  far  I  now  can  pierce  another's  soul 
I  realized  with  pain,  when  for  a  while 
I  was  awake  and  could  with  clearness  judge. 

Felix  Balde: 
Thou  speak'st  as  I  have  never  heard  thee  speak — 
But  ne'er  could  I  so  understand  thy  mind 


1 88         The  Soul's  Awakening 

As  I  do  now,  when  naught  speaks  but  thyself. 
In  all  thy  words  there  rings  the  mystic  mood 
Which  I  have  sought  unwearied  many  years; 
And  which  alone  can  recognise  the  light 
In  which  the  human  spirit  feels  itself 
A  part  of  cosmic  spirit  through  clear  sight. 

Capesius: 
Because  I  felt  how  near  I'd  drawn  to  thee 
I  sought  thee,  fleeing  from  the  kind  of  life 
That  was  about  to  slay  mine  inner  world. 

Strader: 
I  often  understood  thy  present  speech ; — 
And  then  I  thought  it  wisdom ; — but  no  word 
In  all  thy  speech  can  I  now  understand. 
Capesius  and  father  Felix  both 
Conceal  dark  meanings  in  transparent  words  . 

Do  I  not  feel  these  words  of  thine  are  but 
The  cloak  of  forces :  forces  of  the  soul 
That  exile  me  from  thee  unto  those  words 
Which  lie  remote  from  all  thy  spirit-paths? 
Worlds  I  have  no  desire  for, — since  I  must 
Deep  in  my  soul  adore  that  world  of  thine. 
The  opposition  I  can  lightly  bear 
Which  from  without  now  menaceth  my  work ; 
Yea,  e'en  if  all  my  plans  were  broken  up 
Upon  this  opposition; — I  could  bear. 
But  I  cannot  forego  these  worlds  of  thine. 

Felix  Balde: 
A  man  cannot  attain  the  spirit-world 
By  seeking  to  unlock  the  gates  himself. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         189 

Once  didst  thou  give  me  pleasure,  when  of  old 
Of  thine  invention  thou  wast  wont  to  speak — 
Then,  when  enlightenment  was  granted  thee 
By  what  thou  didst  not  strive  to  understand. 
Thou  wast  far  nearer  to  the  mystic  mood. 

To  strive  for  nought, — but  just  to  live  in  peace, 
Expectancy  the  soul's  whole  inner  life : — 
That  is  the  mystic  mood.     When  waked  in  man 
It  leads  his  inmost  soul  to  realms  of  light. 
Our  outward  tasks  do  not  endure  such  mood. 
If  them  thou  wouldst  through  mysticism  seek, 
Mystic  illusion  will  destroy  thy  life. 

Strader: 
I  need  thee  sorely; — yet  I  find  thee  not — 
The  being  that  unites  us  thou  dost  scorn. 
Yet  how  can  men  be  found  to  undertake 
True  cosmic  work  if  mystics  all  decline 
To  leave  their  individuality  ? 

Felix  Balde: 
Into  thy  world  of  active  daily  life 
The  tender  being  of  clairvoyant  sight 
Cannot  be  introduced,  for  it  will  fade 
E'en  as  its  welcome  border  line  appears. 
In  faith  devout,  revering  spirit-sway 
With  spirit-sight  reposing  in  the  heart : — 
Thus  mystics  should  draw  nigh  the  world  of  deeds. 

Capesius: 
And  if  they  strive  to  tread  it  otherwise 
The  work  of  error  they  will  then  behold; 


190         The  Soul's  Awakening 

But  wisdom's  radiance  they  will  never  see. 
I  once  saw  clearly  through  another's  soul. 
I  knew  that  I  saw  truly  what  I  saw. 
Yet  only  that  soul's  error  could  I  see. 
This  was  my  fate  for  spoiling  spirit-sight 
By  my  desire  for  outer  deeds  on  earth. 

Strader: 
Thus  speaks  Capesius  who  hath  advanced 
Beyond  me  far  upon  the  path  of  souls. 
And  yet  my  spirit-vision  only  wakes 
When  thoughts  of  action  wholly  fill  my  soul ; 
And  it  is  flooded  with  a  living  hope 
That  for  the  spirit  it  may  build  a  shrine 
And  kindle  there  on  earth  the  light  that  shines 
So  warmly  through  the  spirit-worlds  on  high 
And  seeks,  through  human  sense-activities, 
A  new  home  in  the  daily  life  of  earth. 

Am  I  a  son  of  error? — not  thy  son, 

Ye  wide-flung  spirit-realms  where  wisdom  dwells  ? 

{Strader  turns  away,  for  a  moment,  from  the  com- 
panions with  whom  he  has  been  conversing; 
and  now  he  has  the  following  spirit-vision — 
Benedictus,  Maria,  Ahriman  appear — in  the 
guise  of  his  thought-forms  hut  nevertheless  in 
real  spirit-intercourse;  first  Benedictus  and 
Ahriman,  then  Maria). 

Benedictus: 
In  wide-flung  spirit-realms  where  wisdom  dwells 
Thou  seekest  aid  to  still  thy  questioning  doubt, 


The  Soul's  Awakening         191 

Which  makes  the  secret  of  thine  inner  life 

Lie  like  a  burden  on  thine  earthly  thought. 

And  thou  shalt  have  an  answer,  such  an  one 

As  spirit-spaces  out  of  their  soul-depths 

Are  willing  to  reveal  through  this  my  voice. 

But  learn  to  understand  what  thou  hast  guessed 

And  what  thou  often  hast  made  bold  to  say, 

But  in  thine  inner  being  only  dreamst. 

Give  to  thy  dreams  the  life,  which  I  am  bound 

To  offer  thee  from  out  the  spirit-world ; 

But  turn  to  dreams  whatever  thou  canst  draw 

By  thought  from  all  thy  sense-experience. 

Capesius  and  Felix  cast  thee  forth 

From  out  the  spirit-light  which  they  behold; 

Thy  place  th'  abyss  betwixt  themselves  and  thee — • 

Do  not  complain  that  they  have  done  this  thing, 

But  gaze  in  thine  abyss. 

Ahriman: 

Aye,  gaze  therein! 
Thou  shalt  behold  there  what  to  thee  seems  meet 
For  human  spirits  on  their  cosmic  path. 
'Twere  well  for  thee,  if  other  spirit-powers 
Did  tell  thee  when  thy  soul  is  sunk  in  sleep ; 
But  Benedictus  tells  thee  when  awake, 
So  dost  thou  slay,  beholding,  thy  response. 
Aye,  gaze  therein. 

Strader: 

I  will.     What  do  I  see? 
Two  forms  confused?     They  change,   yea,  and  they 
tear, 


192         The  Soul's  Awakening 

One  at  the  other  tears — a  battle  now — 

The  phantoms  fight  each  other  furiously, — 
Destruction  reigns,  and  from  it  gloom  is  born; — 
From  out  the  gloom  now  issue  other  shades 
With  ether's  light  around  them, — flick'ring  red; 
One  of  the  forms  quite  clearly  leaves  the  rest; 
And  comes  to  me ; — sent  from  the  dark  abyss. 
{Maria  steps  forth  from  the  abyss.) 

Maria: 
Thou  seest  demons; — summon  up  thy  strength, 
They  are  not  thus, — before  thee  they  appear 
What  they  are  not.     If  thou  canst  hold  them  fast 
Until  their  phantom  nature  shall  become 
Illumined  to  the  being  of  thy  soul 
Thou  wilt  behold  what  value  they  possess 
In  evolution  of  the  cosmic  scheme. 
Thy  power  of  sight  doth  fade  ere  they  unfold 
The  forces  which  will  make  them  luminous. 
Illuminate  them  with  thine  own  self's  light. 
Where  is  thy  light?    Thou  rayest  darkness  out — 
Perceive  thy  darkness  all  around  thyself — 
'Midst  light  thou  dost  create  the  baffling  gloom; 
And  feelst  it  when  created  by  thyself. 
Yet  then  thou  ne'er  canst  feel  thyself  create. 
Thou  wouldst  forget  thy  longing  to  create, 
Which  reigns  unconsciously  within  thy  soul. 
Because  thou  art  afraid  to  ray  out  light. 
Thou  wouldst  enjoy  this  light  that  is  thine  own. 
Thou  wouldst  enjoy  therein  thyself  alone. 
Thou  seekst  thyself,  and  seekest  to  forget. 
Thou  let'st  thyself  sink  dreaming  in  thyself. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         193 

Ahriman: 
Aye,  list  to  her;  thy  riddles  she  can  solve 
But  her  solution  solves  them  not  for  thee. 
She  gives  thee  wisdom — so  that  with  its  aid 
Thou  canst  direct  thy  steps  to  foolishness. 
Wisdom  were  good  for  thee — at  other  times, 
When  on  thee  spirit-day  doth  brightly  shine. 
But  when  Maria  speaks  thus  in  thy  dreams 
She  slays  thy  riddle's  answer  by  her  words. 
Aye,  list  to  her. 

Strader: 

What  mean  such  words  as  these? 
Maria,  are  they  born  from  out  the  light? 
From  out  my  light  ?     Or  is  my  darkness  that 
From  which  they  sound?     O  Benedictus,  speak; 
Who  brought  me  counsel  from  the  dark  abyss? 

Benedictus: 
At  thine  abyss's  edge  she  sought  thee  out. 
Thus  spirits  seek  out  men  to  shelter  them, 
From  those  who  fashion  phantoms  for  men's  souls 
And  so  conceal  the  cosmic-spirit's  sway 
With  mazy  darkness,  that  they  only  know 
Themselves  in  truth  in  their  own  being's  net. 
Look  further  yet  within  thy  dark  abyss. 

Strader: 
What  now  lives  in  the  depths  of  mine  abyss? 

Benedictus: 
Gaze  on  these  shades;  upon  the  right,  blue-red 
Enticing  Felix — and  the  others  see — 


194         The  Soul's  Awakening 

There  on  the  left — where  red  with  yellow  blends; 
Who  are  intent  to  reach  Capesius. 
They  both  do  feel  the  might  of  these  same  shades; — 
And  each  in  loneliness  creates  the  light 
Which  foils  the  shades  who  would  deceive  men's 
souls. 

Ahriman: 
He  would  do  better  did  he  show  to  thee 
Thy  shades — yet  this  thing  could  he  scarcely  do; — 
He  hath  the  best  intentions  certainly. 
He  only  sees  not  where  to  seek  those  shades. 
They  stand  behind  thee,  critically  near, — 
Yet  thou  thyself  dost  hide  them  now  from  him. 

Strader: 
So  now  I  hear  in  mine  abyss  these  words 
Which  once  I  thought  the  prating  of  a  fool, 
When  Hilary's  adviser  uttered  them.  .  .  . 

Maria: 
Sire  Felix  tempers  for  himself  the  blade 
That  rids  him  of  his  danger;  one  who  treads 
The  path  thy  soul  takes  needs  another  kind. 
The  sword  Capesius  doth  fashion  here, 
And  bravely  wields  in  battle  with  his  foes, 
Would  be  for  Strader  but  a  shadow  sword 
Should  he  commence  therewith  the  spirit-fight 
Which  powers  of  destiny  ordain  for  souls 
Who  must  change  spirit-being,  ripe  for  deeds 
With  mighty  power,  to  earth  activity. 
Thou  canst  not  use  their  weapons  in  thy  fight; 


The  Soul's  Awakening         195 

Yet  thou  must  know  them,  so  that  thou  mayst  forge 
Thine  own  from  out  soul-substance  thoughtfully. 

(The  figures  of  Benedictus,  Ahriman,  and  Maria 
disappear;  i.e.,  from  outward  sight;  Strader 
wakes  up  from  his  spirit-vision;  he  looks 
round  fof  Capesius,  Felix  Balde,  and  Dame 
Balde,  who  again  approach  him;  he  has 
seated  himself  upon  a  rock.) 

Felix  Balde: 
Dear  Strader,  even  now  the  spirit  drove 
Thee  far  from  us — thus  it  appeared  to  me. 

{He  pauses  a  while  in  the  expectation  that  Strader 

will  say  something,  but  since  the  latter  remains 

silent  Felix  continues.) 
I  would  not  seem  to  cast  thee  coldly  forth 
From  out  our  group  to  other  paths  of  life. 
I  only  wish  to  check  thy  further  steps 
In  that  illusion  which  confuseth  thee. 
What  spirit  sees  in  spirit  must  by  souls 
In  spirit  also  be  received  and  lived. 
How  foolish  were  it  if  Felicia 
Should  take  the  fairies  living  in  her  soul, 
Who  also  fain  would  only  live  in  souls, 
And  make  them  dance  upon  a  puppet's  stage. 
Their  magic  charm  would  be  completely  lost. 

Dame  Balde: 
I  surely  have  been  silent  long  enough. 
But  speak  I  will,  if  thou  art  going  to  cast 
Thy  mystic  mood  upon  my  fairy  sprites. 


196         The  Soul's  Awakening 

They  would  indeed  enjoy  to  have  their  power 

Drawn  out  of  them,  that  they  might  be  brought  up 

And  suckled  fresh  with  mysticism's  milk. 

I  honour  mysticism;  but  I  fain 

Would  keep  it  distant  from  my  fairy  realms. 

Capesius: 
Felicia,  was  it  not  thy  fairy-tales 
That  set  my  feet  first  on  the  spirit-path? 
Those  stories  of  the  air  and  water-sprites, 
Called  up  so  oft  before  my  thirsting  soul. 
Were  messengers  to  me  from  yonder  world 
Whereto  I  now  the  mystic  entrance  seek. 

Dame  Balde: 

But  since  thou  cam'st  with  this  new  mystic  art 
Into  our  house  thou  hast  but  seldom  asked 
What  my  fair  magic  beings  are  about. 
More  often  thou  hast  only  thought  of  worth 
What  wears  a  solemn  air  of  dignity; 
While  those  who  caper  out  of  sheer  delight 
Are  uncongenial  to  thy  mystic  ways. 

Capesius: 
I  do  not  doubt,  Felicia,  that  I 
Shall  one  day  comprehend  the  meaning  hid 
Deep  in  the  being  of  those  wondrous  elves 
Who  show  their  wisdom  through  a  merry  mask. 
Yet  now  my  power  hath  not  advanced  so  far. 

Felix  Balde: 
Felicia,  thou  knowest  how  I  love 
Those  fairy  beings  who  do  visit  thee; 


The  Soul's  Awakening         197 

But  to  conceive  them  as  mechanical 
Embodied  dolls — this  goes  against  the  grain. 

Dame  Balde: 
As  yet  I  have  not  brought  them  to  thee  thus ; 
Thy  fancy  flies — too  high ;  but  I  was  glad 
When  Strader's  plan  was  told  me,  and,  I  heard, 
Thomasius  also  strives  to  represent 
The  spirit  cased  in  matter  visible. 
I  saw  in  spirit  dancing  merrily 
My  fairy  princes  and  my  souls  of  fire 
In  thousand  doll-games,  beautified  by  art;    , 
And  there  I  left  them,  happy  in  the  thought, 
To  find  their  own  way  to  the  nurseries. 

Curtain 


Scene   4 

The  Same. 

{The  Manager  and  Romanus,  pausing  in  their  walk, 
speak  as  follows.) 
Manager: 
Thou  know'st  the  mystic  friends  of  Hilary, 
And  I  perceive  in  thee  a  clever  man 
With  power  to  give  at  all  times  judgment  sure 
Both  in  life's  work  and  in  the  mystic  arts : 
And  so  I  value  thy  considered  thought. 
But  how  shall  I  make  sense  of  what  thou  sayst  ? 
That  Strader's  friends  should  stay  in  spirit-realms 
And  not  as  yet  use  their  clairvoyant  powers 
Upon  the  fashioning  of  things  of  sense 
Seems  right  to  thee.     But  will  the  selfsame  path 
For  Strader  not  be  just  as  dangerous  ? 
His  spirit  methods  seem  to  prove  to  me 
That  nature-spirits  always  blind  his  eyes 
As  soon  as  strong  desire  for  personal  deeds 
Drives  him  to  seek  some  outer  work  in  life. 
Within  oneself,  as  all  true  mystics  know. 
Those  forces  must  develop  in  their  strength 
In  order  to  oppose  these  enemies; 
But  Strader's  sight,  it  seems,  is  not  yet  ripe 
To  see  such  foes  upon  his  spirit-path. 

198 


The  SouFs  Awakening         199 

Romanus: 
Yet  those  good  spirits  who  conduct  such  men, 
As  stand  outside  the  spirit-realms  entire, 
Have  not  yet  left  his  side,  but  guide  his  steps. 
These  spirits  ever  pass  those  mystics  by 
Who  make  a  pact  with  beings  to  secure 
Their  service  for  their  personal  spirit  mood. 
In  Strader's  methods  I  can  plainly  feel 
How  nature-spirits  still  give  to  his  self 
The  fruits  of  their  benign  activity. 


Manager: 
So  'tis  by  feeling  only  thou  art  led 
To  think  good  spirits  work  in  Strader's  case; 
Thou  off'rest  little  and  dost  ask  full  much. 


These  are  the  spirits  I  must  henceforth  ask 

If  I  continue  active  in  this  place 

Where  for  so  long  I  have  been  privileged 

To  serve  the  work-plans  and  that  spirit  true 

Which  Hilary's  own  father  ever  loved; 

And  which  I  still  hear  speaking  from  his  grave, 

E'en  if  his  son  hath  no  more  ears  for  it. 

What  saith  this  spirit  of  that  brave  strong  man 

When  he  perceives  these  crazy  spirits  now 

Which  his  son  tries  to  bring  within  his  house? 

I  know  that  spirit  who  for  ninety  years 

Lived  in  his  body.     He  it  was  who  taught 

To  me  the  truest  secrets  of  my  work 

In  those  old  days  when  he  could  work  himself. 

The  while  his  son  crept  off  to  mystic  fanes. 


200        The  SouFs  Awakening 

Romanus: 
My  friend,  canst  thou  indeed  be  unaware 
How  highly  this  same  spirit  I  revere? 
His  servant  certainly  was  that  old  man 
Whom  for  a  pattern  thou  didst  rightly  choose. 
And  I  myself  have  striv'n  to  serve  him  too 
From  childhood's  days  up  to  the  present  time. 
But  I  too  crept  away  to  mystic  fanes. 
I  planted  truly  deep  within  my  soul 
What  they  were  willing  to  bestow  on  me. 
But  reason  swept  aside  the  temple  mood 
When  at  the  door  it  entered  into  life. 
I  knew  that  in  this  way  I  best  could  bring 
This  mood's  strong  forces  into  earthly  life. 
From  out  the  temple  none  the  less  I  brought 
My  soul  into  my  work.    And  it  is  well 
That  soul  by  reason  should  not  be  disturbed. 

Manager: 
And  dost  thou  find  that  Strader's  spirit-way 
Is  even  distantly  akin  to  thine? 
I  find  myself  at  thy  side  ever  free 
From  spirit-beings  Strader  brings  to  me. 
I  clearly  feel,  e'en  in  his  random  speech, 
How  elemental  spirits,  quick  with  life. 
By  word  and  nature  pour  themselves  through  him 
Revealing  things  the  senses  cannot  grasp. 
It  is  just  this  that  keeps  me  off  from  him. 

Romanus: 
This  speech,  my  friend,  doth  strike  me  to  the  heart. 
Since  I  drew  nigh  to  Strader  I  have  felt 


The  SouFs  Awakening        201 

Those  very  thoughts  which  come  to  me  through  him 

To  be  endowed  with  quite  peculiar  power. 

They  cleft  me  just  as  if  they  were  mine  own. 

And  one  day  I  reflected:  What  if  I 

Owe  to  his  soul  not  to  myself  the  power 

Which  let  me  ripen  to  maturity ! 

Hard  on  this  feeling  came  a  second  one; 

What  if  for  all  that  makes  me  of  some  use 

In  life  and  work  and  service  for  mankind 

I  am  indebted  to  some  past  earth-life? 

Manager: 
I  feel  precisely  thus  about  him  too. 
When  one  draws  near  to  him,  the  spirit  which 
Doth  work  through  him  moves  powerfully  one's  soul. 
And  if  thy  strong  soul  must  succumb  to  him, 
How  shall  I  manage  to  protect  mine  own 
If  I  unite  with  him  in  this  his  worki* 

Romanus: 
It  will  depend  on  thee  alone  to  find 
The  right  relation  'twixt  thyself  and  him. 
I  think  that  Strader's  power  will  not  harm  me 
Since  in  my  thought  I  have  conceived  a  way 
In  which  he  may  have  made  that  power  his  own. 

Manager: 
Have  made — his  own — such  power — and  over  thee — 
A  dreamer — over  the — the  man  of  deeds ! 

Romanus: 
If  one  might  dare  to  make  a  guess  that  now 
Some  spirit  lives  its  life  in  Strader's  frame 


202         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Who  in  some  earlier  earth-life  had  attained 

To  most  unusual  altitude  of  soul; 

Who  knew  much  which  the  men  of  his  own  time 

Were  still  too  undeveloped  to  conceive. 

Then  it  were  possible  that  in  those  days 

Thoughts  in  his  spirit  did  originate 

Which  by  degrees  could  make  their  way  to  earth 

And  mingle  in  the  common  life  of  men ; 

And  that  from  this  source  people  like  myself 

Have  drawn  their  capability  for  work — 

The  thoughts  which  in  my  youth  I  seized  upon, 

And  which  I  found  in  my  environment, 

Might  well  have  been  this  spirit's  progeny! 

Manager: 
And  dost  thou  think  it  justifiable 
To  trace  back  thoughts  to  Strader  and  none  else 
That  hold  a  value  for  mankind's  whole  life  ? 

Romanus: 
I  were  a  dreamer  if  I  acted  thus. 
I  spin  no  dreams  about  mankind's  whole  life 
With  eyes  fast  closed.     I  ne'er  had  use  for  thoughts 
That  show  themselves  and  forthwith  fade  away. 
I  look  at  Strader  with  wide-open  eyes; 
And  see  what  this  man's  nature  proves  to  be, 
What  qualities  he  hath  and  how  he  acts, 
And  that  wherein  he  fails; — and  then  I  know 
I  have  no  option  left  me  but  to  judge 
Of  his  endowments  as  I  have  just  done. 
As  if  this  man  had  stood  before  mine  eyes 
Already  many  hundred  years  ago, 


The  Soul's  Awakening        203 

So  do  I  feel  him  in  my  spirit  now. 

And  that  I  am  awake — I  know  full  well. 

I  shall  lend  my  support  to  Hilary; 

For  that  which  must  will  surely  come  to  pass. 

So  think  his  project  over  once  again. 

Manager: 
It  will  be  of  more  benefit  to  me 
If  I  think  over  that  which  thou  hast  said. 

{Exeunt  Manager  and  Romanus.  Johannes 
comes  from  another  direction,  deep  in 
thought,  and  sits  down  on  a  boulder.  Jo- 
hannes is  at  first  alone,  afterwards  appear 
his  Double,  the  Spirit  of  Johannes^  youth, 
and  finally  the  Guardian  of  the  Threshold, 
and  Ahriman.) 

Johannes: 
I  was  astonished  when  Capesius 
Made  known  to  me  how  my  soul's  inner  self 
Revealed  itself  unto  his  spirit's  eye. 
I  could  so  utterly  forget  a  fact 
Which  years  ago  was  clear  as  day  to  me : — 
That  all  that  lives  within  the  human  soul 
Works  further  in  the  outer  spirit-realms; 
Long  have  I  known  it,  yet  I  could  forget. 
When  Benedictus  was  directing  me 
To  my  first  spirit-vision,  I  beheld 
Capesius  and  Strader  by  this  means. 
Clear  as  a  picture,  in  another  age. 
I  saw  the  potent  pictures  of  their  thoughts 
Send  circling  ripples  through  the  world's  expanse. 


204         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Well  do  I  know  all  this — and  knew  it  not 

When  I  beheld  it  through  Capesius. 

The  part  of  me  which  knows  was  not  awake; 

That  in  an  earth-life  of  the  distant  past 

Capesius  and  I  were  closely  knit: 

That  also  for  a  long  time  have  I  known, — 

Yet  at  that  instant  I  did  know  it  not. 

How  can  I  keep  my  knowledge  all  the  time  ? 

(A  voice  from  the  distance,  that  of  Johannes' 
Double.) 
'  The  magical  web 
That  forms  their  own  life.' 


Johannes: 

'  And  clairvoyant  dreams 

Make  clear  unto  souls 

The  magical  web 

That  forms  their  own  life.' 

( While  Johannes  is  speaking  these  lines  his  Double 
approaches  him.  Johannes  does  not  recog- 
nize him,  but  thinks  ''the  other  Philia"  is 
coming  towards  him.) 

O  spirit-counsellor,  thou  com'st  once  more; 

True  counsel  didst  thou  bring  unto  my  soul. 


The  Double: 
Johannes,  thine  awakening  is  but  false 
Until  thou  shalt  thyself  set  free  the  shade 
Whom  thine  offence  doth  lend  a  magic  life. 


The  SouFs  Awakening        205 

Johannes: 
This  is  the  second  time  thou  speakest  thus. 
I  will  obey  thee.     Point  me  out  the  way. 

The  Double: 
Johannes,  give  life  in  the  shadow-realm 
To  what  is  lost  to  thee  in  thine  own  self. 
From  out  thy  spirit's  light  pour  light  on  him 
So  that  he  will  not  have  to  suffer  pain. 

Johannes: 
The  shadow-being  in  me  I  have  stunned 
But  not  o'erthrown:  wherefore  he  must  remain 
A  shade  enchanted  amongst  the  other  shades 
Till  I  can  re-unite  myself  with  him. 

The  Double: 
Then  give  to  me  that  which  thou  owest  him : 
The  power  of  love,  that  drives  thee  forth  to  him, 
The  heart's  hope,  that  was  first  begot  by  him. 
The  fresh  life,  that  lies  hidden  deep  in  him, 
The  fruits  of  earth-lives  in  the  distant  past, 
Which  with  his  being  now  are  lost  to  thee; 
Oh,  give  them  me;  I'll  bring  them  safe  to  him. 

Johannes: 
Thou  knowest  the  way  to  him? — Oh,  show  it  me. 

The  Double: 
I  could  get  to  him  in  the  shadow-realm 
When  thou  didst  raise  thyself  to  spirit-spheres; 
But  since,  desire-powers  tempting  thee,  thou  didst 


2o6         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Avert  thy  mind  to  follow  after  him, 
When  now  I  seek  him  my  strength  ever  fails. 
But  if  thou  wilt  abide  by  my  advice 
My  strength  can  then  create  itself  anew. 

Johannes: 
I  vowed  to  thee  that  I  would  follow  thee — 
And  now,  O  spirit-counsellor,  again 
With  all  my  soul's  strength  I  renew  that  vow. 
But  if  thou  canst  thus  find  the  way  to  him, 
Then  show  it  to  me  in  this  hour  of  fate. 

The  Double: 
I  find  it  now  but  cannot  lead  the  way. 
I  can  alone  show  to  thine  inward  eye 
The  being  whom  thy  longing  now  doth  seek. 

(The  spirit  of  Johannes'  Youth  appears.) 

The  Spirit  of  Johannes'  Youth: 
Thanks  to  that  spirit  I  shall  ever  owe 
Who  was  allowed  thy  soul  sight  to  unseal, 
So  that  when  I  appear  by  spirit-law 
Thou  wilt  henceforth  behold  me  open-eyed. 
But  thou  must  first  this  spirit  truly  know, 
At  whose  side  thou  art  now  beholding  me. 

{The    spirit    of   Johannes'    Youth    disappears: 

only    now    does    Johannes    recognise    the 

Double.) 

Johannes: 
That  spirit-counsellor — ^mine  other  self? 


The  Sours  Awakening         207 

The  Double: 
Now  follow  me — thou  hast  so  vowed  to  me —    • 
For  I  must  now  conduct  thee  to  my  lord. 

{The  Guardian  of  the   Threshold  appears  and 
stands  beside  the  Double.) 


The  Guxirdian: 
Johannes,  wouldst  thou  tear  this  shade  away 
From  those  enchanted  regions  of  the  soul, 
Then  slay  desire,  which  leads  thee  aye  astray. 
The  trace  which  thou  dost  follow  disappears 
So  long  as  thou  dost  seek  it  with  desire. 
It  leads  thee  to  my  threshold  and  beyond. 
But  here,  obeying  lofty  Being's  will, 
I  do  confuse  the  inward  sight  of  those 
Within  whose  spirit-glance  lives  vain  desire; 
All  these  must  meet  me  ere  they  are  allowed 
To  penetrate  to  Truth's  pure  radiant  light. 
I  hold  thyself  fast  prisoned  in  thy  sight 
So  long  as  thou  approachest  with  desire. 
Myself  too  as  illusion  dost  thou  see. 
So  long  as  vain  desire  is  joined  with  sight 
And  spirit-peacefulness  of  soul  hath  not 
Become  as  yet  thy  being's  vehicle. 
Make  strong  those  words  of  power  which  thou  dost 

know, 
Their  spirit-power  will  conquer  fantasy. 
Then  recognise  me,  free  from  all  desire, 
And  thou  shalt  see  me  as  I  really  am. 
And  then  I  need  no  longer  hinder  thee 
From  gazing  freely  on  the  spirit-realm. 


2o8        The  Soul's  Awakening 

Johannes: 
But  as  illusion  dost  thou  too  appear? 
Thou  too  .  .  .  whom  I  must  ever  see  the  first, 
Of  all  the  beings  in  the  spirit-land. 
How  shall  I  know  the  truth  when  I  must  find 
One  truth  alone  confront  mine  onward  steps — 
That  ever  denser  grows  illusion's  veil. 

Ahriman: 
Let  not  thyself  be  quite  confused  by  him. 
He  guards  the  threshold  faithfully  indeed 
E'en  if  today  thou  see'st  him  wear  the  clothes 
Which  for  thyself  thou  didst  patch  up  before 
Within  thy  spirit  from  old  odds  and  ends. 
And  least  of  all  shouldst  thou  behold  in  him 
An  actor  in  a  poor  dramatic  show. 
But  thou  wilt  make  it  better  later  on. 
Yet  e'en  this  clownish  form  can  serve  thy  soul. 
It  doth  not  have  to  spend  much  energy 
In  showing  thee  that  which  it  now  still  is. 
Pay  close  attention  to  the  Guardian's  speech: 
Its  tone  is  mournful  and  its  pathos  marked, 
Allow  not  this :  for  then  he  will  disclose 
From  whom  to-day  he  borrows  to  excess. 

Johannes: 
Then  e'en  the  content  of  his  speech  deceives  ? 

The  Double: 
Ask  not  of  Ahriman,  since  he  doth  find 
In  contradictions  aye  his  chief  delight. 


The  Soul's  Awakening        209 

Johannes: 
Of  whom  then  shall  I  ask? 

The  Double: 

Why,  ask  thyself. 
With  my  power  will  I  fortify  thee  well 
So  that  awake  thou  mayst  find  the  place 
Whence  thou  canst  gaze  untramelled  by  desire. 
Increase  thy  power. 

Johannes: 
'The  magical  web 
That  forms  their  own  life.' 
O  magical  web  that  forms  mine  own  life 
Make  known  to  me  where  desire  doth  not  burn. 

{The  Guardian  disappears:  in  his  place  appear 
Benedictus  and  Maria.) 

Maria: 
Myself  too  as  illusion  dost  thou  see 
Since  vain  desire  is  still  allied  with  sight. 

Benedictus: 
And  spirit-peacefulness  of  soul  hath  not 
Become  as  yet  thy  being's  vehicle. 

{The  Double,  Benedictus,  and  Maria  disappear.) 

Johannes: 
Maria,  Benedictus, — Guardians! 
How  can  they  as  the  Guardian  come  to  me? 

*Tis  true  I  have  spent  many  years  with  thee 
And  this  forbids  me  now  to  seek  thine  aid — 
14 


210         The  Soul's  Awakening 

The  magical  web  that  forms  mine  own  self. 

(Exit,  right.) 
{Enter  Strader,  Benedictus,  and  Maria,  left.) 

Strader: 
Thou  gav'st,  when  joined  in  spirit  unto  me 
Before  the  dark  abyss  of  mine  own  self, 
Wise  counsel  to  direct  mine  inward  sight, 
Which  at  that  time  I  could  not  understand, 
But  which  will  work  such  changes  in  my  soul 
As  certainly  will  solve  life's  problems,  when 
They  seek  to  hinder  what  I  strive  to  do. 
I  feel  in  me  the  power  which  thou  dost  give 
To  thy  disciples  on  the  spirit-path. 
And  so  I  shall  be  able  to  perform 
The  service  thou  dost  ask  for  in  this  work 
That  Hilary  to  mankind  will  devote; 
We  shall,  however,  lack  Capesius. 
Whatever  strength  the  rest  bring  to  the  work 
Will  not  replace  his  keen  activity; 
But  that  which  must  will  surely  come  to  pass. 

Benedictus: 
Yea,  that  which  must  will  surely  come  to  pass. 
This  phrase  expresseth  thine  own  stage  of  growth. 
But  it  awakes  no  answering  response 
In  souls  of  all  our  other  spirit-friends. 
Thomasius  is  not  as  yet  prepared 
To  carry  spirit-power  to  worlds  of  sense. 
So  he  too  will  withdraw  from  this  same  work. 
Through  him  doth  destiny  give  us  a  sign 
That  we  must  all  now  seek  another  plan 


The  Soul's  Awakening         211 

Strader: 
Will  not  Maria  and  thyself  be  there? 

Benedictus: 
Maria  must  Johannes  take  with  her 
If  she  would  ever  find  in  truth  the  road, 
Which  leads  from  spirit  to  the  world  of  sense. 
Thus  wills  the  Guardian  who  with  earnest  eye 
Unceasing  guards  the  borders  of  both  realms. 
She  cannot  lend  her  aid  to  thee  as  yet. 
And  this  may  serve  thee  as  a  certain  sign 
That  thou  canst  not  at  this  time  truly  find 
The  way  into  the  realm  of  earthly  things. 

Strader: 
So  I  and  all  my  aims  are  left  alone! 

0  loneliness,  didst  thou  then  seek  me  out 
When  I  did  stand  at  Felix  Balde's  side? 

Benedictus: 
The  thing  which  hath  just  happened  in  our  group 
Hath  taught  me,  as  I  look  on  thy  career. 
To  read  a  certain  word  in  spirit-light 
Which  hitherto  hath  hid  itself  from  me. 

1  saw  that  thou  wast  bound  to  certain  kinds 
Of  beings,  who,  if  they  should  take  a  part 
Creatively  in  mankind's  life  today. 
Would  surely  work  for  evil;  now  they  live 
As  germs  in  certain  souls,  and  will  grow  ripe 
In  future  days  to  work  upon  the  earth. 
Such  germs  have  I  seen  living  in  thy  soul. 
That  thou  dost  know  them  not  is  for  thy  good. 


212         The  SouFs  Awakening 

Through  thee  they  will  first  learn  to  know  themselves. 
But  now  the  road  is  still  close  barred  for  them 
Which  leads  into  the  realm  of  earthly  things. 

Strader: 
Whatever  else  thy  words  may  say  to  me, 
They  show  me  that  my  lot  is  loneliness. 
And  this  it  is  must  truly  forge  my  sword. 
Maria  told  me  this  at  mine  abyss. 

{Benedictus  and  Maria  retire  a  little  way; 
Strader  remains  alone;  the  soul  of  Theodora 
appears.) 

Theodora's  Soul: 
And  Theodora  in  the  worlds  of  light' 
Will  make  warmth  for  thee  that  thy  spirit-sword 
May  keenly  smite  the  foes  of  thine  own  soul. 

{Disappears.  Exit  Strader.  Benedictus  and 
Maria  come  to  the  front  of  stage.) 

Maria: 
My  learned  teacher,  ne'er  yet  did  I  hear 
Thee  tell  disciples,  who  had  reached  the  stage 
Of  Strader,  in  such  tones  the  words  of  fate. 
Will  his  soul  run  its  course  so  speedily 
That  these  words'  power  will  prove  of  use  to  him  ? 

Benedictus: 
Fate  gave  the  order,  and  it  was  fulfilled. 

Maria: 
And  if  the  power  should  prove  no  use  to  him, 
Will  not  its  evils  also  fall  on  thee? 


The  Soul's  Awakening         2 1 3 

Benedictus: 
'Twill  not  be  evil;  yet  I  do  not  know 
In  what  way  it  will  manifest  in  him. 
My  gaze  at  present  penetrates  to  realms 
Where  such  advice  illuminates  my  soul; 
But  I  see  not  the  scene  of  its  result. 
And  if  I  try  to  see,  my  vision  dies. 

Maria: 
Thy  vision  dies, — my  guide  and  leader,  thine? — 
Who  stays  for  thee  thy  seership's  certain  gaze? 

Benedictus: 
Johannes  flees  therewith  to  cosmic  space; 
We  must  pursue; — for  I  can  hear  hitn  call. 

Maria: 
He  calls, — from  spirit-space  his  call  rings  out; 
There  sounds  within  his  tone  a  distant  fear. 

Benedictus: 
So  from  the  ever  empty  fields  of  ice 
Our  mystic  friend's  call  sounds  in  cosmic  space. 

Maria: 
The  ice's  cold  is  burning  in  my  self, 
And  kindling  tongues  of  flame  in  my  soul-depths; 
The  flames  are  scorching  all  my  power  of  thought. 

Benedictus: 
In  thy  soul-depths  the  fire  doth  blaze,  which  now 
Johannes  kindles  in  the  cosmic  frost. 


214         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Maria: 
The  flames  fly  off, — they  fly  off  with  my  thought. 

And  there  on  distant  cosmic  shore  of  souls 

A  furious  fight — my  power  of  thought  doth  fight — 

In  stormy  chaos — and  cold  spirit-light — 

My  thought-power  reels; — the  cold  light — hammers 

out 
Hot  waves  of  darkness  from  my  failing  thought. 
What  now  emergeth  from  this  darkling  heat  ? 
Clad  in  red  flames  my  self  storms — to  the  light ; — 
To  the  cold  light — of  cosmic  fields  of  ice. 

Curtain 


Scene  5 

The  Spirit  Realm.  The  scene  is  set  in  floods  of  sig- 
nificant colour,  reddish  deepening  into  fiery  red  above, 
blue  merging  into  dark  blue  and  violet  below.  In 
the  lower  part  there  is  an  earth-globe  which  has  the 
effect  of  being  a  symbol.  The  figures  that  appear 
seem  to  blend  into  a  complete  whole  with  the  colours. 
On  the  left  of  the  stage  the  group  of  gnomes  as  in 
Scene  2,  in  front  of  them  Hilary,  and  in  the 
immediate  foreground  the  soul-forces. 

Felix  Balde's  Soul:     (Seated  at  the  extreme  right  of 
stage,  having  the  form  of  a  penitent,  but  arrayed  in  a 
light  violet  robe  girdled  with  gold.) 
I  thank  thee,  Spirit,  wise  to  govern  worlds. 
My  saviour  from  my  gloomy  loneliness; 
Thy  word  awakens  unto  work  and  life. 
I  will  make  use  of  what  thou  giv'st  to  worlds 
About  which  I  can  meditate,  whilst  thou 
Dost  let  mine  own  become  insensible.  ' 

For  then  thou  bearest  to  them  on  thy  rays 
That  which  in  pictures  fashioneth  powers  for  me. 

Lucifer:  {Bluish-green  glittering  under-garment,  red- 
dish outer-garment,  shaped  like  a  mantle  and  gleam- 
ing brightly,  which  extends  into  wing-like  outlines; 
his  upper  part  is  not  an  aura  but  he  wears  a  mitre 
215 


2i6        The  Soul's  Awakening 

of  deep  red  bordered  with  wings;  on  his  right  wing 
a  blue  shape  having  the  appearance  of  a  sword;  a 
yellow  shape,  like  the  ball  of  a  planet,  is  supported 
by  his  left  wing.  He  stands  somewhat  behind  and 
to  the  right,  towering  over  Felix  Balde's  soul.) 

My  servant,  such  activity  as  thine 

The  sun-time  needs,  in  which  we  find  ourselves. 

The  earth-star  now  receives  a  faded  light; 

It  is  the  time  when  souls  like  thine  can  work 

Unto  the  best  advntage  on  themselves. 

On  thee  I  ray  forth  from  my  fount  of  light 

The  germs  that  tend  to  raise  self-consciousness. 

Go,  gather  them  to  make  thine  ego  strong. 

In  later  earth-life  they  will  come  to  flower. 

There  shall  the  blossoms  by  thy  soul  be  sought; 

In  its  own  nature  it  will  take  delight 

When  it  can  joy  in  planning  its  desires. 

Felix  Balde's  Soul:  (gazing  at  the  group  of  gnomes. 
From  this  moment,  the  gnomes  becoming  conscious, 
keep  swaying  up  and  down,  slightly  raising  and 
lowering  themselves,  as  if  the  group  was  breathing 
from  above.) 

There  far  away,  bright  being  disappears; 

It  floats  in  shadow-pictures  through  the  depths; 

And,  floating,  strives  to  gain  some  steadying  weight. 

Hilary's  Soul:     (With  the  figure  of  a  steel-blue-grey 
elemental  spirit  changed  to  resemble  a  man's;  the 
head  less  bowed,  and  the  limbs  more  human.) 
The  mist  of  wishes  doth  reflect  the  light 
Thrown  on  the  realm  of  spirit  by  earth's  star, 


The  Soul's  Awakening        2 1 7 

The  star  for  which  in  this  world  thou  dost  form 
From  soul-material  a  thinking  self. 
For  thee  'tis  but  a  fleeting  web  of  mist, 
But  to  themselves  they  seem  like  solid  souls. 
On  earth  they  work,  by  cosmic  reason  led, 
In  old  fire  forces,  thirsting  after  form. 

Felix  Balde's  Soul: 
I  will  that  their  weight  shall  not  burden  me. 
Nor  shall  oppose  the  tendency  to  float. 

{The  gnomes  cease  their  movement.) 

Ahriman: 
Thy  speech  is  good.     Swift  will  I  seize  thy  words 
That  I  may  keep  them  for  myself  unharmed. 
Thou  canst  not  yet  develop  them  thyself. 
But  on  the  earth  they  would  fill  thee  with  hate. 

Strader's  Soul:  {Toward  the  left  of  stage;  only  his 
head  is  visible;  it  is  in  a  yellowish-green  aura  with 
red  and  orange  stars.  At  this  moment  on  Strader's 
immediate  left  appears  the  Soul  of  Capesius. 
Similarly  only  his  head  is  to  he  seen.  It  is  in  a  blue 
aura  with  red  and  yellow  stars.) 

I  hear  a  word  which  sounds  and  sounds  again. 
It  seems  significant,  and  yet  the  sound 
Doth  vanish,  and  the  lust  for  life  doth  seize 
Its  echoed  answer.    Which  road  would  it  take? 

The  Other  Philia:  {Arrayed  like  a  copy  of  Lucifer, 
though  the  radiance  is  lacking.    Instead  of  the 


2i8        The  Soul's  Awakening 

sword  she  has  a  sort  of  dagger,  and  in  place  of  the 

planet  a  red  ball  like  a  fruit.) 
It  travels  onward  in  its  search  for  weight 
Unto  the  place  where  radiant  being  fades 
And  misty  pictures  surge  into  the  depths. 
If  thou  dost  keep  its  meaning  in  thy  realm 
I'll  bring  its  power  to  thee  within  the  mist; 
Then  thou  wilt  re-discover  it  on  earth. 

Philia:  {Figure  like  an  angel,  yellow  merging  into  a 
sort  of  white,  with  wings  of  a  bright  violet,  a  lighter 
shade  than  Maria  has  later  on. — All  three  soul-figures 
are  near  Strader's  soul  and  stand  in  the  centre  of 
the  stage.) 

The  mist-creations  I  will  tend  for  thee 

That  they  may  not  when  conscious  guide  thy  will; 

That  will  I  unto  cosmic  light  entrust 

Wherein  they  form  the  heat  thy  nature  needs. 

Astrid:     {Figure  like  an  angel,  robed  in  bright  violet, 
with  blue  wings.) 
I  beam  forth  clear  and  wondrous  life  of  stars 
To  beings,  that  they  may  make  forms  therefrom. 
They  to  thine  earthly  body  shall  give  strength, 
From  knowledge  far,  but  near  to  heart's  intent. 

Luna:     {Figure  like  an  angel,  robe  of  blue  and  red,  with 
orange  wings.) 
The  weighty  being,  they  with  toil  create, 
In  thy  sense-body  will  I  later  hide; 


The  Soul's  Awakening        219 

That  thou  mayst  not  in  thought  turn  it  to  ill 
And  thus  stir  up  a  storm  in  earthly  life. 

Strader's  Soul: 
The  three  were  speaking  to  me  sunshine's  words, 
They  work  for  me  where  I  can  see  them  work. 
Full  many  figures  are  they  fashioning; 
I  feel  an  impulse  by  soul-power  to  change 
Them  with  design,  and  make  them  one  with  me. 
Awake  in  me,  O  royal  solar  power 
That  by  resistance  I  may  dim  thy  might; 
Desire  brought  from  moon  ages  moves  me  thus. 
A  golden  glow  now  stirs,  I  feel  its  warmth, 
And  silver  sheen,  forth-spraying  though  yet  cold; 
Awake,  Mercurial  longing,  once  again 
And  wed  my  severed  cosmic  self  to  me. 

Well  do  I  feel  that  once  again  a  part 

Is  formed  from  out  that  picture,  which  I  here 

From  cosmic  spirit  forces  must  create. 

Capesius'  Soul: 
On  that  far  shore  of  souls  I  see  emerge 
A  picture  that  ne'er  touched  my  being  yet 
Since  I  escaped  the  clutch  of  earthly  life. 
It  rays  out  grace  and  soothes  with  soft  appeal. 
The  warming  glow  of  wisdom  streams  therefrom, 
And  clarifying  light  gives  to  my  soul. 
Could  I  but  make  this  picture  one  with  me 
I  should  attain  what  I  am  thirsting  for. 
Yet  know  I  not  the  power  which  could  avail 
To  make  this  pictiure  active  in  my  sphere. 


220         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Luna: 
That  which  two   earth-lives   gave  thee  thou    must 

feel. 
One,  many  years  ago,  slid  gently  by 
In  earnest  effort ;  later  on  thou  hadst 
One  by  ambition  soiled;  which  must  be  fed 
With  strengthening  grace  descending  from  the  first, 
That  Jupiter's  fire-souls  may  be  revealed 
Within  the  circle  of  thy  spirit-sight . 
Then  shalt  thou  feel  that  wisdom  strengthens  thee. 
Then  will  the  picture,  which  thou  see'st  afar 
Upon  the  borders  of  thy  soul's  expanse, 
Be  set  at  liberty  to  come  to  thee. 

Capesius'  Soul: 
I  needs  must  be  indebted  to  the  soul 
That  now  prepares  for  being,  since  it  shows 
A  warning  picture  in  my  soul's  expanse. 

Astrid: 
Thou  art  indeed;  but  not  as  yet  doth  it 
Demand  a  payment  in  thy  next  earth-life. 
This  picture  serves  to  give  thee  powers  of  thought 
That  thou  as  man  mayst  recognize  the  man 
Who  shows  his  earthly  future  to  thee  here. 

The  Other  Philia: 
The  picture  may  indeed  come  closer  yet 
But  cannot  penetrate  thy  very  self. 
And  so  restrain  its  longing  for  thyself, 
That  thou  mayst  find  thyself  on  earth  again 
Ere  it  can  flow  into  thine  inmost  self. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         221 

Capesius'  Soul:  * 

I  feel  before  what  I  shall  owe  to  it 
When  I  shall  will  to  bring  it  near  to  me, 
Yet  can  assert  that  I  am  free  therefrom. 
From  Philia's  domain  I  now  behold 
In  picture-sequences  the  energy 
Which  I  shall  gather  from  its  near  approach. 

Philia: 
When  Saturn  soon  his  many-coloured  light 
Shall  ray  on  thee,  use  well  the  favour'd  hour. 
Then  through  his  power  in  thy  soul's  vehicle 
That  which  in  spirit  is  akin  to  thee 
Will  plant  the  roots  of  thought,  which  will  disclose 
The  meaning  of  the  cyclic  life  of  earth 
When  thou  dost  tread  again  this  star  thyself. 

Capesius: 
Thy  counsel  shall  become  my  monitor 
As  soon  as  Saturn  pours  his  light  on  me. 

Lucifer: 
One  more  thing  will  I  waken  in  these  souls; 
The  view  of  worlds  whose  light  will  cause  them  pain, 
Ere  they  can  leave  this  sun-time  fortified 
With  powers  for  later  life  upon  the  earth. 
Pain  must  through  doubt  mature  their  fruit  in  them, 
So  will  I  summon  up  those  spheres  of  soul 
Which  they  have  not  the  strength  to  look  upon. 

(The  souls  of  Benedictus  and  Maria  appear  in 
the  middle  of  the  region.  Benedictus  as  a 
figure   reproducing  in  miniature  the   con- 


222         The  Soul's  Awakening 

figuration  of  the  entire  scenery.  Below, 
his  robe,  becoming  broader,  shades  into  blue' 
green;  around  his  head  is  an  aura  of  red, 
yellow  and  blue;  the  blue  blends  into  the 
blue-green  of  the  entire  robe.  Maria  on  his 
right  as  an  angelic  figure;  yellow  shading 
into  gold,  without  feet  and  with  bright  violet 
wings.) 

Benedictus'  Soul: 
Thou  dost  weigh  heavy  on  my  cosmic  task 
With  these  opaque  earth-laden  spheres  of  thine. 
If  thou  dost  give  thine  own  self  further  power 
Then  wilt  thou  find  that  in  this  spirit-life 
Mine  own  sun-nature  will  not  shine  on  thee. 

Maria: 
He  was  unknown  to  thee,  when  thou  didst  last 
A  robe,  of  earthly  matter  woven,  wear; 
Yet  doth  it  still  bear  fruit  in  thy  soul  sheath — 
The  sunshine's  word  of  power,  with  which  he  fed 
Thee  kindly  in  far  distant  times  on  earth. 
Search  out  thy  nature's  deepest  impulses 
And  thou  shalt  feel  him  near  thee  then  with  power. 

Felix  Balde's  Soul: 
Words  issue  out  of  circles  strange  to  me, 
And  yet  their  tones  illuminate  me  not: 
And  so  they  are  not  fully  real  to  me. 

Strader's  Soul: 
On  spirit-shores  illumination  works, 


The  Soul's  Awakening         223 

Yet  howsoe'er  I  strive  to  understand 

The  sense  of  these  light-forces,  they  are  dumb. 

Dame  Balde's  Soul:  (Figure  of  a  penitent  with 
white  coif,  like  that  of  a  nun;  robe  yellow-orange, 
with  silver  girdle;  she  appears  quite  close  to  Maria; 
on  her  right  and  near  Felix  Balde.) 

Ye  souls  now  summoned  up  by  Lucifer ! 
The  penitent  doth  hear  your  voices'  tone, 
But  only  sunshine's  voice  doth  give  him  light ; 
Its  super-splendour  doth  destroy  your  voice. 
The  other  can  behold  your  starry  light, 
But  starry  writing  is  to  him  unkown. 

Capesius'  Soul: 
The  starry  writing!  this  word  wakens  thoughts, 
And  bears  them  on  the  waves  of  soul  to  me. 
Thoughts  which  in  earth-lives  in  the  distant  past 
Were  to  my  being  wondrously  revealed 

They  lighten  still,  yet — as  they  grow,  they  fade; 
Oblivion  sheds  its  gloomy  shade  around. 

The  Guardian:  (Enter  the  Guardian  of  the  Thresh- 
old, like  an  angel,  symbolically  arrayed  and  steps 
to  the  side  of  the  souls  of  Maria  and  Benedictus.) 

Ye  souls  who  now  at  Lucifer's  demand 

Have  drawn  near  the  bounds  of  other  souls, 

In  this  domain  ye  are  within  my  power. 

The  souls  whom  ye  are  seeking  seek  you  too. 

Within  this  cosmic  age  'tis  not  ordamed 


224        The  Soul's  Awakening 

Their  beings  shall  touch  yotirs  within  their  spheres 
Not  e'en  in  thought; — and  so  do  ye  beware 
Lest  to  their  orbits  ye  should  force  your  way. 
Should  ye  do  this,  'twould  harm  both  them  and  you. 
I  should  be  bound  to  take  away  from  you 
The  starry  light,  and  banish  you  from  them 
For  cosmic  ages  into  other  spheres. 

Curtain  falls  slowly 


Scene  6 

A  similar  scene 

The  same  characters  are  still  in  their  places.  The 
lighting  is  full  of  warm  shades,  but  not  too  bright. 
Toward  the  right  of  stage  the  sylphs  keep  swaying  to 
and  fro.     In  front  Philia,  Astrid,  and  Luna. 

Capesius'  Soul:     (Standing  on  the  left  of  stage  near 
the  middle.) 

The  picture,  that  in  sunshine's  hour  I  saw, 
Beamed  grace  and  worked  with  gentle  kindliness; 
E'en  now  within  my  being  it  holds  sway, 
When  other  wisdom-light  illuminates 
This  spirit-realm  with  many-coloured  rays, 
Yet  now  the  picture's  influence  doth  grow. 
It  bids  me  draw  therefrom,  for  future  times 
On  earth,  that  which  the  soul  who  stands  revealed 
Within  the  picture  and  hath  mighty  weight 
In  mine  own  sphere,  once  gave  to  my  sense-life, 
Yet  doth  no  powerful  current  of  desire. 
Direct  me  to  this  soul. 

Romanus'  Soul:     (A  figure  showing  all  the  upper  part 
of  the  body  down  to  the  hips;  it  has  mighty  red  wings 
which  extend  round  its  head  in  such  a  way  as  to 
IS  225 


226         The  SouFs  Awakening 

change  into  a  red  aura,  running  into  blue  on  the 
outer  edge;  it  stands  on  the  left  of  Capesius'  soul, 
whilst  close  are  the  souls  of  Bellicosus  and  Torgua- 
tus  further  still  to  left  of  stage,  facing  audience.) 

Wake  in  thyself 
The  pictiire  of  the  Jew  who  heard  naught  else 
But  hate  and  ridicule  on  every  side, 
Yet  truly  served  the  mystic  brotherhood 
Of  which  thou  wast  a  member  once  on  earth. 

Capesius'  Soul: 
Thought-pictures  now  begin  to  dawn  in  me, 
And  seek  to  seize  me  in  their  powerful  grasp. 
See  Simon's  image  rise  from  my  soul-waves — 
And  see,  another  joins  him — some  soul-shape — 
A  penitent; — would  I  might  keep  him  far! 

{Referring  to  Balde,   or  Joseph  Keane  in  the 
previous  play.) 

Romanus'  Soul: 
That  which  he  here  must  do  can  but  be  done 
In  cosmic  sunshine-time;  in  solitude 
And  robed  in  darkness  he  must  wend  his  way 
Whilst  Satxirn  doth  light  up  this  spirit-reabn. 

Capesius'  Soul: 
How  doth  this  penitent  bewilder  me ! 
His  soul's  irradiations  biu-n  and  bore 
Their  way  into  mine  own  Soul's  inmost  core — 
So  work  these  souls  who  have  attained  the  power 
To  see  the  inmost  depths  of  other  souls. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         227 

Felix  Balde's  Soul:     {From  the  extreme  right  of  stage 
with  hollow  veiled  voice.) 
'Dear  Keane,  thou  hast  been  ever  true  to  me' — 

Capesius'  Soul: 
Myself — my  very  words — from  out  his  mouth 
Re-echoed — ringing  out — in  spirit-realms ! 
Here  is  a  soul  that  I  must  try  to  meet. 
It  knows  me  well, — through  it  I'll  find  myself. 

(Capesius'  soul  disappears;  the  'other  Philia' 
comes  into  view  on  the  right  of  stage  with 
Theodora's  soul;  behind  her  Dame  Balde's 
soul.) 

Romanus'  Soul: 
Two  souls  do  there  draw  nigh  the  penitent; 
The  spirit  whom  through  love  souls  ever  choose 
To  be  their  leader  goes  ahead  of  them. 
The  light  of  meekness  pours  from  one  of  them 
And  flows  into  the  other,  who  appears 
To  us  as  penitent.     The  picture  glows 
With  beauty's  light,  which  here  as  wisdom  lives. 

Torguatus'  Soul:     {Figure  visible  as  far  as  the  breast, 
blue  aura,  green  wings.) 
Desire's  reflection  dost  them  but  behold 
Which  I  allow  to  shine  from  my  soul's  sheath 
Into  thy  sphere  in  loyal  spirit-troth. 
Fate's  primal  forces  have  appointed  me 
To  be  the  means  to  give  thee  meekness  here. 
Thus  souls  in  spirit  do  serve  other  souls. 


228         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Thy  cold  hard  reason  never  could  attain 
Life's  gift  of  sympathy  without  mine  aid. 


Bellicosus'  Soul:  {Figure  visible  like  that  of  Torquatus* 
soul,  but  with  blue-violet  aura  and  blue-green 
wings.) 

Make  strong  thy  spirit-ear  to  understand 

What  says  the  soul  who  rays  out  meekness'  light. 

'Neath  Saturn's  beam  souls  can  be  brought  to  show 

This  gleam  of  noble  spirit-blessedness. 

Theodora's  Soul:     {Angelic  figure;  white  with  yellow 
wings  and  blue-yellow  aura.) 
My  loyal  spirit-comrade,  pour  on  him 
In  softening  glow  the  love  that  permeates 
Thine  own  soul-sheath,  for  it  will  soothe  for  him 
The  all-consuming  fire  of  solitude — 
And  do  thou  unto  him  direct  thought-rays 
From  yonder  shadow-souls  who  at  this  time 
Do  gather  forces  in  the  spirit-worlds 
That  their  soul-bodies  may  thus  gleam  with  life, 
That  so  their  gleaming,  glowing  life  may  serve 
To  strengthen  in  forthcoming  lives  on  earth 
Clairvoyant  consciousness  in  human  souls. 

Dame  Balde's  Soul:     {To  Felix.) 
Feel  me,  thou  spirit  garbed  as  penitent. 
O  thou  sun-soul,  receive  the  power  of  stars. 
Until  thy  spirit-sheath  doth  free  itself 
From  Lucifer's  dominion,  I  shall  be 


The  SouFs  Awakening         229 

Beside  thee  in  thy  solitude  to  bring 

Thee  powers  which  I  shall  roam  o'er  cosmic  space 

From  star  to  star  to  gather  up  for  thee. 

Theodora's  Soul: 

Past  thoughts  of  earth  arise  in  glowing  light 

On  yonder  shore  of  souls.     A  human  form. 

I  saw  it  when  on  earth;  it  follows  here; 

What  once  I  heard  is  now  re-echoed  here; 

{Lucifer  appears  with  the  soul  of  Johannes,  who 
has  the  appearance  of  an  angel.  His  robes 
rose-coloured  with  lilac  rose-coloured  wings. 
No  feet.) 

'  From  out  God's  being  rose  the  hirnian  soul ; 

It  can  in  death  dive  down  to  nature's  depths; 

In  time  it  will  set  spirit  free  from  death.' 

The  Other  Philia: 
This  sounding  living  picture-being  brings 
The  force  of  noble  brother-love  to  us 
Which  thou  didst  faithfully  display  on  earth. 
I'll  change  it  into  soul-power  for  thy  use. 
The  message  I  direct  unto  thy  soul 
Absorbs  the  glimm'ring  light  of  shadow-souls, 
Who,  during  earth-life  will  arouse  in  thee 
The  thoughts  they  brood  on  through  eternity. 
And  thou,  the  penitent  of  spirit-realms. 
Direct  thy  soul-steps  onward  to  the  stars ; 
There  natiure-spirits  long  to  use  thy  work 
Wherefrom  they  will  beam  fantasy  to  souls 
And  so  will  fashion  wings  for  life  on  earth. 


230         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Dame  Balde's  Soul: 
I  follow  thee,  dear  sister  of  my  soul, 
My  Philia,  who  dost  weave  love  from  star 
To  star  and  from  one  spirit  to  the  next. 
I  follow  thee  aloft  to  starry  worlds, 
I  take  thy  words  to  many  cosmic  spheres. 
And  thus  by  spirit-work  build  up  myself 
For  mine  own  future  wanderings  on  earth. 

{Felix  Balde's  soul  disappears  slowly,  led  by 
Dame  Balde's  soul;  Theodora  stands  motion- 
less looking  at  Johannes^  soul,  then  she  also 
disappears,  as  does  Lucifer  with  the  soul  of 
Johannes. 


Romanus'  Soul: 
That  which  we  just  have  witnessed  in  this  place. 
How  love's  word  works  with  the  creative  word 
In  closest  union,  doth  arouse  in  us 
Germs  we  shall  need  in  future  lives  on  earth. 

(The  souls  of  Romanus,  Torquatus,  and  Belli- 
cosus  disappear  —  Benedictus'  soul  and 
Maria's  soul  appear  by  the  side  of  the  Guard- 
ian of  the  Threshold,  who  now  enters.) 


The  Guardian: 
Behold  the  cosmic  midnight  of  yourselves ! 
I  hold  you  'neath  the  spell  of  ripened  light 
Which  pours  on  you  from  Saturn,  till  your  sheaths, 
More  strongly  waking  through  this  same  light's  power 
Become  self-limiinous,  with  living  hues. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         231 

Maria's  Soul: 
Doth  cosmic  midnight  come  when  souls  awake? 
It  was  the  moon-time,  when  the  sun  declared 
The  earnest  word  of  Fate,  that  human  souls, 
Who  see  their  cosmic  midnight  hour  awake, 
See  lightnings,  which  with  instantaneous  flash 
Light  up  the  things  that  are  to  be,  but  pass 
Again  so  quickly  that  the  spirit-sight 
Dies  at  the  very  moment  of  its  birth — 
And  death  becomes  a  seal  of  destiny 
For  ever  stamped  upon  the  souls  who  saw. 
Such  souls  hear  too  the  words  of  thunder  clear 
Which  dully  roll  through  cosmic  fundaments 
And  threaten  soul-illusion  as  they  roll. 

{Lucifer  reappears  with  the  Soul  of  Johannes.) 

Benedictus'  Soul: 
From  ever  empty  fields  of  ice  fate's  cry 
Doth  reach  to  us  from  our  dear  mystic  friend. 
When  we  the  cosmic  midnight  can  perceive. 
We  reach  the  spirit-circle  of  the  soul. 

Maria's  Soul: 
The  flames   draw  nigh,    they   draw  nigh  with  my 

thought 
There  from  my  distant  cosmic  shore  of  souls; 
A  fierce  strife  doth  draw  nigh; — 'tis  mine  own  thought 
Which  battles  with  the  thoughts  of  Lucifer; — 
Mine  own  thought  battles  in  another's  soul, — 
The  hot  light  issues — out  of  gloomy  cold — 
Like  lightning  flashes.     Is  this  hot  soul-light — 
This  soul-light — in  the  cosmic  fields  of  ice? 


232         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Lucifer: 
The  light  thou  seest — 'tis  my  hot  cosmic  light — 
See  too  the  lightning  flashes  of  thy  thought 
Strike  from  the  bounds  of  Lucifer's  domain. 
I  bring  within  the  focus  of  thy  gaze 
The  soul  so  long  and  closely  bound  to  thee 
When  thou  dost  feel  thy  cosmic  midnight  hour. 
Henceforth  thy  search  must  find  another  way 
To  come  into  communion  with  this  soul. 
O  soul,  who  to  this  place  hast  followed  me, 
Display  and  use  the  forces  of  the  light 
Which  Saturn  on  her  cosmic  midnight  pours. 


Johannes'  Soul: 
I  can  feel  souls,  but  have  not  yet  the  power 
To  make  their  light  grow  visible  in  me. 
However  close  they  are  they  generate 
Thoughts  which  but  serve  to  light  me  from  afar. 
How  can  I  raise  them  to  mine  inner  sight  ? 

Philia: 
Thou  wilt  see  them  if  thou  dost  swiftly  grasp 
What  they  illimiine  in  the  cosmic  light; 
Shouldst  thou  behold,  use  well  that  moment's  space; 
Light  such  as  this  is  quickly  gone  again. 


Johannes'  Soul: 
What  yonder  guide's  soul  to  his  pupil  speaks, — 
That  pupil's  soul  so  near  and  dear  to  me, — 
Should  now  illuminate  my  soul's  domain. 


The  SouFs  Awakening        233 

Benedidus'  Soul: 
Bring  forth  within  this  spirit-midnight  hour 
The  will  that  thou  desir'st  to  feel  again 
When  earthly  forces  once  more  clothe  thy  form. 
Thy  words  shall  prove  a  light  to  thy  friend's  soul. 

Maria's  Soul: 
Let  then  my  words  grow  strong  in  cosmic  light, 
Which  at  this  cosmic  midnight  I  confide 
Unto  the  soul  brought  me  by  Lucifer. 
Whatever  in  mine  inmost  soul  is  dear 
I  will  behold  it  and,  beholding,  speak. 
That  it  may  form  itself  into  a  tone. 
To  which  this  soul  shall  answer  when  on  earth. 
And,  loving  it,  shall  live  as  it  commands. 
What  now  do  I  see  in  mine  inmost  soul  ? 
A  lofty  counsel  in  flame-letters  writ. 
My  love  for  that  dear  guiding-soul  flames  out. 
Who  in  mine  earth — as  in  my  spirit-life 
Hath  led  me  on  through  each  successive  age; 
Who  ever  found  me  when  mine  instant  prayer 
Sought  help  in  danger,  even  when  it  dwelt 
On  spirit-heights  itself;  in  dazzling  light 
This  love  appears  to  me;  sound  out  from  me. 
Thou  word  of  love,  unto  this  other  soul. 

What  flames  are  those  this  word  of  love  doth  wake? 

They  glow  so  gently,  yet  their  gentle  light 

Pours  forth  a  sense  of  lofty  dignity; 

By  wisdom's  lightnings,  whence  a  blessing  flows, 

The  cosmic  ether  is  lit  up  around — 

And  bliss  comes  pouring  with  attendant  joy 


234         The  Soul's  Awakening 

O'er  all  the  compass  of  my  soul's  domain. 
Of  thee,  Duration,  would  I  crave  a  boon; 
Pour  out  thyself  into  this  blessedness, 
And  let  my  guide  and  let  that  other  soul 
Now  dwell  therein  with  me  in  peacefulness. 

The  Guardian: 
Now  let  the  lightnings  vanish  into  naught 
Whose  sharp  flash  brings  to  view  necessities 
When  souls  awake  and  feel  the  Cosmic  North. 
Let  thunder  also  lose  its  roar,  which  rolls 
In  warning  at  the  cosmic  midnight  hour. 
Astrid,  to  thee  I  give  a  strict  command: 
Keep  close  watch  o'er  this  thunder-storm  of  souls 
Till  in  the  course  of  time  the  soul  awakes 
To  find  its  cosmic  midnight  once  again, 
Then  shall  it  see  itself  in  other  guise, 
E'en  in  a  picture  of  an  olden  time. 
And  know  how  strength  for  lofty  spirit-flight 
E'en  from  disaster  may  the  soul's  wings  gain. 
A  soul  may  never  wish  itself  to  fall; 
Yet,  when  it  falls  it  must  a  lesson  learn. 

Astrid: 
The  lightning's  power  and  thunder's  will  I  guard 
And  keep  them  safe  within  the  cosmic  life. 
Till  Saturn  turns  toward  the  soul  once  more. 

Maria: 
I  feel  the  blessedness  of  stars  endure. 
And  in  the  stream  of  time  I  enter  it, 
I'll  live  and  work  within  its  kindly  sway 
With  this  soul-being  long  since  knit  to  mine. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         235 

Luna: 
I  will  protect  thy  work  in  spirit  here, 
That  thou  mayst  reap  the  fruits  in  life  on  earth. 

Johannes'  Soul: 
Within  my  soul's  domain — I  see  this  star! 
It  pours  forth  kindness — beams  forth  blessedness — 
In  cosmic  ether  floating — this  soul  star — 

But  there — in  yon  faint  light — another  star — 
Its  note  is  faint, — yet  will  I  list  thereto. 

{With  the  last  words  appears  the  spirit  of 
Johannes'  youth.  Figure  like  an  angeVs;  sil- 
very sheen.) 

The  Spirit  of  Johannes'  Youth: 
I  feed  with  life  the  being  of  thy  wish, 
My  breath  will  pour  into  thy  youthful  aims 
Enlightening   strength,    when    worlds    are    tempting 

thee 
Within  which  I  can  guide  thee  joyfully. 
If  thou  shouldst  lose  me  in  thyself,  I  must 
Then  offer  up  myself  as  sacrifice, 
A  being  reft  of  being,  to  the  shades. 
O  blossom  of  my  being, — leave  me  not. 

Lucifer: 
He  never  will  forsake  thee — I  behold 
Deep  in  his  nature  longings  after  light 
Which  do  not  follow  up  the  other  soul. 
And  when  the  radiance,  which  is  born  of  them, 


236         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Takes  root  and  grows  deep  down  within  his  soul, 
It  must  bear  fruit ;  nor  will  he  be  content 
To  throw  this  fruit  away  in  yonder  realm 
Where  love,  divorced  from  beauty,  reigns  alone. 

Slow  curtain 


Scene    7 

A  temple  somewhat  Egyptian  in  appearance.  A  place 
of  initiation  in  the  far-distant  past  in  this  Earth's 
third  stage  of  post-Atlantean  civilisation.  A  con- 
versation between  the  hierophant,  otherwise  Capesius, 
the  keeper  of  the  temple,  otherwise  Felix  Balde  or 
Joseph  Keane  and  a  mystic,  otherwise  Dame  Balde 
or  Dame  Keane. 

Hierophant: 
Are  all  the  preparations  duly  made, 
My  keeper  of  the  temple,  to  the  end 
Our  holy  rite  may  serve  both  gods  and  men? 

Keeper: 
So  far  as  human  forethought  can  provide 
All  hath  been  well  prepared ;  a  holy  breath 
Hath  filled  the  temple  now  for  many  days. 

Hierophant: 
My  mystic,  as  the  royal  counsellor, 
A  priest  hath  been  selected  unto  whom 
This  very  day  our  secret  wisdom's  store 
Is  with  all  holiness  to  be  revealed. 
Hast  thou  then  so  prepared  him  by  thy  tests 
That  he  is  now  entirely  given  o'er 

237 


238         The  Soul's  Awakening 

To  wisdom  set  apart  from  earthly  cares, 
And  shuts  his  ear  to  all  but  spirit-lore? 
A  different  counsellor  would  do  us  harm. 


Mystic: 
The  tests  were  given  as  the  law  ordains, 
The  masters  found  them  adequate ;  I  think 
Our  mystic  hath  but  little  natural  taste 
For  earthly  cares ;  his  soul  is  set  upon 
His  spirit-progress  and  development 
Of  self;  in  spirit  trance  he  oft  is  seen. 
'Tis  not  too  much  to  say  he  revels  in 
The  union  of  the  spirit  with  his  soul. 

Hierophant: 
Has  thou  then  often  seen  him  in  this  state? 

Mystic: 
In  truth  he  may  thus  frequently  be  seen. 
His  nature  doubtless  is  inclined  toward 
The  temple's  service  rather  than  the  state's. 

Hierophant: 
It  is  enough.     Now  go  to  thine  own  place 
And  see  our  holy  rite  is  well  performed; 

{Exit  Mystic.) 
To  thee,  my  keeper,  I  have  more  to  say. 
Thou  knowest  how  I  prize  thy  mystic  gifts: 
To  me  thou  bearest  wisdom  far  beyond 
That  which  befits  thy  status  in  this  shrine. 
Oft  to  thy  seership  have  I  had  recourse 


The  Soul's  Awakening         239 

To  prove  what  mine  own  spirit-sight  hath  seen. 
And  so  I  ask,  what  confidence  hast  thou 
That  this  new  mystic  is  for  spirit  ripe? 

Keeper: 
Who  asks  for  my  opinion  ?     Is  my  voice 
Of  any  worth  ? 

Hierophant: 

It  aye  hath  worth  for  me. 
Today  again  thou  shalt  stand  by  my  side; 
We  must  most  closely  watch  this  holy  rite 
With  inward  sight;  and,  should  the  'mystic'  prove 
E'en  in  the  slightest  way  unripe  as  yet 
For  its  high  meaning  in  the  spirit  life, 
I  shall  refuse  him  rank  as  '  counsellor. ' 

Keeper: 
What  is  it  then  that  now  may  be  revealed 
In  this  new  '  mystic '  at  our  holy  rite. 

Hierophant: 
I  know  he  is  not  worthy  of  the  trust 
The  temple  servants  seek  to  give  to  him. 
His  human  nature  is  well  known  to  me. 
His  mystic-sense  is  not  that  heartfelt  urge 
Which  stirs  in  men  when  light  from  spirit  realms 
In  kindness  draws  souls  upwards  to  itself. 
Strong  passion  surges  in  his  being  yet; 
The  craving  of  his  senses  is  not  stilled. 
Indeed  I  would  not  blame  the  will  divine, 
Which  e'en  in  craving  and  in  passion  pours 


240         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Its  wisdom-light  o'er  evolution's  stream. 
But  when  the  craving  doth  conceal  itself, 
And  revel  'neath  devotion's  mystic  mask, 
It  causeth  thought  to  lie,  and  makes  will  false. 
The  light  that  weaves  the  web  of  spirit-worlds 
Can  never  penetrate  unto  such  souls. 
Since  passion  spreads  a  mystic  fog  between. 

Keeper: 

My  hierophant,  thy  judgment  is  severe 
In  dealing  with  a  man  who  still  is  young 
And  inexperienced,  who  can  neither  know 
Himself  nor  take  another  course  than  that 
Which  priestly  guides  and  mystic  leaders  say 
Doth  reach  the  goal  along  the  soul's  true  path. 

Hierophant:  "^ 

I  do  not  judge  the  man,  I  judge  the  deed 
That  will  be  wrought  here  in  this  holy  place. 
This  holy  mystic  rite,  which  we  perform, 
Hath  not  importance  for  ourselves  alone. 
Fate's  stream  of  cosmic  evolution  pours 
Through  word  and  deed  of  sacred  priestly  rites. 
What  happens  here  in  pictures  comes  to  pass 
In  everlasting  life  in  spirit-worlds. 
But  now,  good  keeper,  get  thee  to  thy  task; 
Thou  wilt  thyself  discover  how  to  lend 
Assistance  to  me  in  this  holy  rite. 

{Exit  Keeper,  right.) 

Hierophant.     {alone) 
This  youthful  mystic  will  not  be  to  blame. 
Who  hopes  this  day  to  dedicate  himself 


The  Soul's  Awakening        241 

Unto  the  wisdom,  if  in  these  next  hours 

A  wrong  emotion,  such  as  may  gush  out 

Unheeded  from  his  heart,  should  throw  its  rays 

Upon  our  sacred  rite,  and  in  this  act 

Should  through  our  symbols  draw  nigh  spirit-spheres 

Whence  ill  results  in  consequence  must  flow 

Into  the  current  of  our  human  life. 

The  guides  and  leaders  are  themselves  to  blame. 

Have  they  not  learned  to  know  the  mystic  force 

Which  penetrates  in  some  mysterious  way 

With  spirit  every  word  and  sigh  of  ours; 

And  ceases  not  from  action  even  when 

The  contents  of  a  soul  are  poured  therein 

Which  hinders  cosmic  evolution's  course? 

Instead  of  this  young  mystic  consciously 

Here  to  the  spirit  off'ring  up  himself, 

His  teachers  drag  him  like  a  sacrifice 

Into  the  holy  precincts,  where  his  soul 

Unconsciously  he  to  the  spirit  yields. 

For  verily  he  would  not  take  this  road 

If  he  were  conscious  master  of  his  soul. 

Within  the  circle  of  our  mysteries 

The  highest  hierophant  alone  doth  know 

What  mystic  truths  lurk  in  our  sacred  forms. 

But  he  is  dumb  as  solitude  itself. 

Such  silence  his  high  dignity  commands. 

The  others  gaze  uncomprehendingly 

When  of  our  ritual's  real  intent  I  speak. 

So  am  I  left  to  bear  my  cares  alone; 
Well-nigh  unbearable  their  burden  seems 
When  all  the  meaning  of  our  ritual 
16 


242         The  Soul's  Awakening 

And  of  our  temple  is  borne  in  on  me. 

One  thing  especially  I  deeply  feel — 

The  solitude  of  this  stern  spirit-shrine. 

Why  do  I  feel  so  lonely  in  this  place? 

The  soul  must  ask  this  question.     When,  ah,  when 

Will  to  my  soul  the  spirit  make  reply  ? 

Curtain  falls  slowly 


Scene  8 

Part    I 

Outside  the  Egyptian  temple.  An  Egyptian  woman 
is  seen  crouching  by  the  wall.  She  is  a  previous 
incarnation  of  Johannes  Thomasius. 

Egyptian  woman: 
This  is  the  hour  in  which  he  dedicates 
Himself  to  serve  the  ancient  holy  laws 
Of  sacred  wisdom, — and  in  doing  this 
He  must  forever  tear  himself  from  me. 
From  out  those  heights  of  light  to  which  his  soul 
Progresses  there  must  flash  into  mine  own 
The  ray  of  death.     When  I  am  torn  from  him — 
Naught  doth  remain  for  me  in  life  on  earth 
But  mourning — resignation — sorrow — death. 

{Clinging  to  the  wall.) 

Yet  though  in  this  hour  he  abandons  me 
I,  none  the  less,  will  stay  close  to  the  spot 
Where  he  unto  the  spirit  gives  himself. 
And  if  mine  eyes  are  not  allowed  to  see 
How  he  doth  tear  himself  away  from  earth, 
Perchance  'twill  be  now  granted  in  a  dream 
To  linger  disembodied  by  his  side. 

243 


244         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Part  II 

Inside  the  temple.  The  hall  of  initiation.  The  cere- 
mony  is  performed  on  a  broad  flight  of  steps  des- 
cending from  the  back  to  the  front  of  the  stage.  The 
characters  stand  in  groups  below  one  another  and  on 
different  steps.  The  drop-curtain  goes  up,  disclos- 
ing everything  in  readiness  for  the  initiation  of  the 
Neophyte,  who  is  to  be  thought  of  as  an  earlier  in- 
carnation of  Maria;  behind  the  altar  and  to  the  left  of 
it  stands  the  Chief  Hierophant  who  is  to  be  thought 
of  as  an  earlier  incarnation  of  Benedictus;  on  the 
other  side  the  Recorder,  an  earlier  incarnation  of 
Hilary  True-to-God;  a  little  in  front  of  the  altar  the 
Keeper  of  the  Seals,  an  earlier  incarnation  of  Theo- 
dora; in  front,  on  the  right  side  of  the  altar,  the 
Impersonator  of  the  Earth  Element,  an  earlier  in- 
carnation of  Romanus,  and  with  him  the  Imperson- 
ator of  the  Air  Element,  an  earlier  incarnation  of 
Magnus  Bellicosus;  quite  close  to  the  Chief  Hiero- 
phant, stands  the  Hierophant,  an  earlier  incarna- 
tion of  Capesius;  on  the  left  side  of  the  altar  the 
Impersonator  of  the  Fire  Element,  an  earlier  incar- 
nation of  Doctor  Strader,  with  the  Impersonator  of 
the  Water  Element,  an  earlier  incarnation  of  Tor- 
quatus.  In  front  of  them  Philia,  Astrid,  Luna  and 
the '  other  Philia.'  Four  other  priests  stand  in  front 
of  them.  In  front  of  all  Lucifer  to  the  left  of  altar 
and  Ahriman  to  the  right  in  the  guise  of  sphinxes, 
with  the  cherub  emphasized  in  the  case  of  Lucifer 
and  the  bull  in  the  case  of  Ahriman.  Dead  silence 
for  a  while  after  the  interior  of  the  temple  with  its 


The  Soul's  Awakening        245 

grouped  mystics  has  become  visible.  The  Keeper 
of  the  Temple  an  earlier  incarnation  of  Felix  Balde, 
and  a  Mystic,  an  earlier  incarnation  of  Dame  Balde, 
lead  the  Neophyte  in  through  a  doorway  on  the  right 
of  stage.  They  place  him  in  the  inner  circle  near 
the  altar,  and  remain  standing  near  him. 

The  Keeper  of  the  Temple: 
From  out  that  web  of  unreality 
Which  thou,  in  error's  darkness  named'st  world, 
The  mystic  hath  conducted  thee  to  us. 
From  being  and  from  naught  the  world  was  made 
Which  to  a  semblance  wove  itself  for  thee. 
Semblance  is  good,  by  being  understood; 
Thou  didst  but  dream  it  in  thy  sembled  life; 
And  semblance  known  by  semblance  disappears. 
Learn,  semblance  of  a  semblance,  what  thou  art. 

The  Mystic: 
Thus  speaks  the  guardian  of  this  temple's  door. 
Feel  in  thyself  the  sore  weight  of  his  words. 

The  Impersonator  of  the  Earth  Element: 
Beneath  the  weight  of  earth-life  seize  upon 
The  semblance  of  your  being  without  fear. 
That  thou  mayst  sink  into  the  cosmic  depths 
In  darksome  cosmic  depths  thy  being  seek. 
Bind  to  thy  semblance  that  which  thou  dost  find; 
Its  weight  will  give  thy  being  unto  thee. 

The  Recorder: 
Thou  wilt  not  understand,  as  thou  dost  sink, 
Whereto  we  lead  till  thou  hast  heard  his  call. 


246         The  Soul's  Awakening 

We  forge  for  thee  the  form  of  thy  real  self; 
Perceive  our  work;  else  must  thou  lose  thyself 
As  semblance  in  the  cosmic  nothingness. 

The  Mystic: 
So  speaks  the  guardian  of  this  temple's  words. 
Feel  in  thyself  the  sore  weight  of  his  words. 

The  Impersonator  of  the  Air  Element: 
Fly  from  the  weight  of  earth-life  which  would  kill 
The  being  of  thyself,  as  thou  dost  sink. 
Fly  from  it  on  the  lightness  of  the  air. 
In  light  of  cosmic  space  thy  being  seek. 
Bind  to  thy  semblance  that  which  thou  dost  find; 
Its  flight  will  give  thy  being  unto  thee. 

The  Recorder: 
Thou  wilt  not  understand,  as  thou  dost  fly, 
Whereto  we  lead,  till  thou  hast  heard  his  call. 
We  light  for  thee  the  life  of  thy  real  self; 
Perceive  our  work ;  else  must  thou  lose  thyself 
As  semblance  in  the  cosmic  weightiness. 

The  Mystic: 
So  speaks  the  guardian  of  this  temple's  words. 
Feel  in  thyself  the  uplift  of  his  words. 

The  Chief  Hierophant: 
My  son,  thou  wilt  on  wisdom's  noble  road 
The  mystic's  counsel  carefully  obey. 
Thou  canst  not  see  the  answer  in  thyself; 
For  error's  darkness  still  doth  weigh  thee  down 


The  Soul's  Awakening        247 

And  folly  strives  in  thee  for  distant  things. 
Gaze  therefore — on  this  flame  which  is  more  close 

{The  bright,  quivering  sacred  flame  flares  up  on 
the  altar  in  the  middle  of  the  stage.) 
To  thee  than  is  the  life  of  thine  own  self, 
And  read  thine  answer  hidden  in  its  fire. 

The  Mystic: 
So  speaks  the  leader  of  this  temple's  rites. 
Feel  in  thyself  the  ritual's  holy  power. 

The  Impersonator  oj  the  Fire  Element: 
Let  all  the  errors  of  thine  own  ideas 
Be  burned  in  fire  that  this  rite  lights  for  thee. 
Let,  with  thine  errors,  thyself  also  burn. 
As  flame  of  cosmic  fire  thy  being  seek ; 
Bind  to  thy  semblance  that  which  thou  dost  find; 
Its  fire  will  give  thy  being  unto  thee. 

The  Keeper  oJ  the  Seals: 
Thou  wilt  not  understand  why  to  a  flame 
We  fashion  thee  till  thou  hast  heard  his  call. 
We  cleanse  for  thee  the  form  of  thine  own  self; 
Perceive  our  work;  else  must  thou  lose  thyself 
As  formless  being  in  the  cosmic  sea. 

The  Mystic: 
So  speaks  the  guardian  of  this  temple's  seals. 
Feel  in  thyself  the  power  of  wisdom's  light. 

The  Impersonator  of  the  Water  Element: 
Resist  the  flame-powers  of  the  world  of  fire 
That  they  may  not  devour  thy  being's  might. 


248         The  Soul's  Awakening 

From  semblance,  being  will  not  rise  in  thee 

Unless  the  wave-beat  of  the  cosmic  sea 

Can  fill  thee  with  the  music  of  the  spheres. 

As  wave  in  cosmic  sea  thy  being  seek; 

Bind  to  thy  semblance  that  which  thou  dost  find; 

Its  waves  will  give  thy  being  unto  thee. 

The  Keeper  of  the  Seals: 
Thou  wilt  not  understand  why  to  a  wave 
We  fashion  thee  till  thou  hast  heard  his  call. 
We  build  for  thee  the  form  of  thine  own  self; 
Perceive  our  work ;  else  must  thou  lose  thyself 
A  formless  being  in  the  cosmic  fire. 

The  Chief  Hierophant: 
My  son,  by  powerful  exercise  of  will 
These  mystic  counsels  too  thou  must  obey. 
Thou  canst  not  see  the  answer  in  thyself ; 
By  cowardly  fear  thy  power  is  still  congealed; 
Thou  canst  not  fashion  weakness  to  a  wave 
That  lets  thy  note  ring  out  amongst  the  spheres. 
So  listen  to  thy  soul-powers  when  they  speak; 
And  thine  own  voice  within  their  words  perceive. 

Philia: 
In  fire  cleanse  thou  thyself; — and  lose  thyself 
As  cosmic  wave  in  music  of  the  spheres. 

Astrid: 
Build  thou  thyself  in  music  of  the  spheres; 
In  cosmic  distances  fiy  light  as  air. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         249 

Luna: 
Sink  with  thy  weight  of  earth  to  cosmic  depths; 
Take  courage  as  a  self  in  thy  sore  weight. 

The  Other  Philia: 
From  thine  own  being  draw  thyself  away; 
Unite  thyself  with  elemental  might. 

The  Mystic: 
Thine  own  soul  speaks  thus  in  these  temple  halls ; 
Feel  thou  therein  the  guidance  of  the  powers. 

The  Chief  Hierophant  {addressing  the  Hierophant) : 
My  brother  hierophant,  explore  this  soul, 
Which  we  are  to  direct  to  wisdom's  path, 
Down  to  its  depths ;  tell  us  what  thou  dost  find 
Its  present  state  of  consciousness  to  be. 

The  Hierophant: 
All  hath  been  done  that  our  rite  doth  demand. 
The  soul  no  more  remembers  what  it  was. 
The  web  of  semblance,  spun  on  error's  loom, 
Opposing  elements  have  swept  away ; 
In  elemental  strife  it  doth  live  on ; 
Naught  save  its  being  hath  the  soul  retained. 
Now  of  this  being  it  shall  read  the  life 
In  cosmic  words,  that  speak  from  out  the  flame. 

The  Chief  Hierophant: 
O  human  soul,  read  now  what  through  the  flame 
The  cosmic  word  declares  within  thyself. 

{A  pause  of  considerable  length  ensues,  during 
which  the  stage  is  darkened  till  only  the 


250         The  Sours  Awakening 

flame  and  indistinct  outlines  of  the  char- 
acters are  visible;  at  the  conclusion  of  the 
pause  the  Chief  Hierophant  continues.) 

And  now  from  out  the  cosmic  vision  wake! 

Declare  what  can  be  read  from  cosmic  words ! 

{^The  Neophyte  is  silent.     The  Chief  Hierophant, 
much  alarmed,  continues) : 
He  speaks  not.     Doth  the  vision  leave  thee ?     Speak! 

The  Neophyte: 
Obedient  to  thy  strict  and  sacred  rite 
I  sank  into  the  being  of  this  flame 
To  wait  the  sound  of  lofty  cosmic  words. 

{The  assembled  mystics,  the  Hierophant  excepted, 
show  an  ever-increasing  alarm  during  the 
speech  of  the  Neophyte.) 
I  felt  that  I  could  shake  off  from  myself 
The  weight  of  earth  and  be  as  light  as  air. 
I  felt  the  loving  tide  of  cosmic  fire 
Did  bear  me  up  on  streaming  spirit-waves. 
I  saw  the  body  that  I  wear  on  earth 
As  other  being  stand  outside  myself. 
Though  wrapt  in  bliss,  and  conscious  of  the  light 
Of  spirit  round  me,  yet  I  could  regard 
Mine  earthly  sheath  with  longing  and  desire. 

{Consternation  all  around.) 
Spirits  rayed  light  thereon  from  lofty  worlds; 
Like  shining  butterflies  there  hovered  near 
The  beings  who  attend  its  active  life; 
The  body  by  these  beings  bathed  in  light 


The  SouFs  Awakening         251 

Reflected  sparkling  colours  manifold; 

They  shone  close  by,  grew  fainter  further  off, 

And  then  were  scattered  and  dispersed  in  space. 

Within  the  being  of  my  spirit  soul 

There  lurked  the  wish  that  weight  of  earth  should 

sink 
Me  down  into  my  sheath,  that  I  might  feel 
And  learn  the  sense  of  joy  within  life's  warmth. 
So,  diving  gladly  down  into  my  sheath, 
I  heeded  thy  stern  summons  to  awake. 

The    Chief   Hierophant    {himself    alarmed,    to    the 
alarmed  mystics) : 

This  is  no  spirit-vision ;  earth's  desires 
Escaped  the  mystic  and  as  offering  rose 
To  radiant  spirit-heights; — O  sacrilege! 

The  Recorder  (angrily  to  the  Hierophant) : 
This  could  not  have  occurred,  hadst  thou  performed 
The  office  granted  thee  as  hierophant 
As  ancient  holy  duty  did  demand. 

The  Hierophant: 
I  did  the  duty  in  this  solemn  hour 
Which  those  from  higher  realms  did  lay  on  me. 
I  did  not  think  that  which  it  is  my  place 
To  think,  according  to  the  ritual, 
And  which,  proceeding  from  me,  should  appear 
In  spirit-working  in  the  neophyte. 
The  young  man  therefore  hath  declared  to  us 
None  other's  thoughts  but  his  own  being's  self. 


252         The  Sours  Awakening 

The  truth  hath  conquered.     Ye  may  punish  me; 
I  had  to  do  what  ye  perceived  with  fear. 
I  feel  the  times  approach  which  will  set  free 
The  ego  from  the  group-soul  and  let  loose 
Its  own  true  individual  powers  of  thought. 
What  if  the  youth  escapes  your  mystic  path 
At  present  ? — Later  lives  on  earth  will  show 
With  clearest  signs  the  kind  of  mystic  way 
Which  destiny  hath  foreordained  for  him. 

The  Mystics: 
0  sacrilege; — thou  must  atone — and  pay — 

{The  sphinxes  begin  to  speak  one  after  the  other 
as  Ahriman  and  Lucifer;  hitherto  they  have 
been  as  motionless  as  statues;  what  they  say  is 
heard  only  by  the  hierophant,  the  chief  hiero- 
phant,  and  the  neophyte; — the  others  are  full 
of  excitement  over  the  preceding  events.) 

Ahriman  as  Sphinx: 
For  my  realm  I  must  lay  my  hands  upon 
What  here  doth  wrongly  seek  the  way  to  light, 
And  in  the  darkness  further  foster  it ; 
That  it  may  bring  forth  spirit-qualities 
Which  later  on  will  let  it  weave  itself 
With  rightful  meaning  into  human  life. 
But  till  it  gains  these  spirit-qualities, 
What  in  this  holy  service  did  appear 
As  earthly  burden,  this  will  serve  my  work. 

Lucifer  as  Sphinx: 
For  my  reahn  I  shall  bear  away  the  things 
That  joy  as  spirit-wish  in  semblance  here; 


The  SouFs  Awakening         253 

They'll  gladly  shine  as  semblance  in  the  light 
And  thus  in  spirit  dedicate  themselves 
To  beauty  from  which  they  are  kept  apart 
At  present  by  the  burden  of  earth's  weight. 
In  beauty,  semblance  into  being  turns, 
Which  later  shall  illuminate  the  earth, 
Descending  as  the  light  which  flies  from  here. 

The  Chief  Hierophant: 
The  sphinxes  speak — who  were  but  images 
E'er  since  this  rite  by  sages  was  performed. 
Upon  dead  form  the  spirit  now  hath  seized. 
0  Fate,  thou  dost  sound  forth  as  cosmic  word! 

(The  other  mystics,  with  the  exception  of  the  Hiero- 
phant and  the  Neophyte,  are  amazed  at  the 
words  of  the  Chief  Hierophant.) 

The  Hierophant  {to  the  Chief  Hierophant) : 
This  holy  mystic  rite  which  we  perform 
Hath  not  importance  for  ourselves  alone. 
Fate's  stream  of  cosmic  evolution  pours 
Through  word  and  deed  of  sacred  priestly  rites. 

The  curtain  falls  on  the  mental  atmosphere  set  up  by 
the  preceding  occurrences 


Scene  9 

A  study  in  Hilary's  house.  A  general  atmosphere  of 
seriousness  pervades  the  room.  Maria  alone  in 
meditation. 

Maria: 
A  starry  soul,  on  yonder  spirit-shore, 
Draws  near, — draws  near  me  clad  in  spirit-light, 
Draws  near  with  mine  own  self,  and  as  it  nears — 
Its  radiance  gains  in  power, — and  gains  in  calm. 

0  star  within  my  spirit-circle,  what 

Doth  thine  approach  shed  on  my  gazing  soul? 
{Astrid  appears  to  right.) 

Astrid: 
Perceive  that  which  I  now  can  bring  to  thee; 
From  cosmic  strife  'twixt  darkness  and  the  light 

1  stole  thy  power  of  thought;  I  bring  it  now 
From  out  its  cosmic  midnight's  wakening 
With  service  true  back  to  thine  earthly  form. 

Maria: 
My  Astrid,  thou  hast  ever  till  today 
Appeared  to  me  as  shining  shadow-soul; 
What  turns  thee  now  to  this  bright  spirit-star? 

254 


The  Sours  Awakening        255 

Astrid: 
I  kept  the  lightning's  and  the  thunder's  power 
For  thee,  that  they  might  stay  within  thy  soul, 
And  now  thou  canst  behold  them  consciously — 
When  of  the  cosmic  midnight  thou  dost  think. 

Maria: 
The  cosmic  midnight ! — ere  for  this  earth-life 
My  self  enclosed  me  in  my  body's  sheath ; 
When  Saturn's  coloured  light  kept  endless  watch ! 
Mine  earthly  thoughts  concealed  from  me  before 
This  spirit  scene  in  soul-obscurity ; — 
Now  in  soul-clarity  it  doth  emerge. 

Astrid: 
Thyself  in  cosmic  light  didst  speak  these  words : 
*0f  thee.  Duration,  would  I  crave  a  boon: 
Pour  out  thyself  into  this  blessedness 
And  let  my  guide,  and  let  that  other  soul 
Now  dwell  with  me  therein  in  peacefulness. ' 

Maria: 
Dwell  with  me  also.     O  thou  moment  blest. 
In  which  this  spirit  happening  creates 
New  powers  of  self.     Equip  my  soul  with  strength 
That  thou  mayst  not  pass  from  me  like  a  dream. 
In  light  which  on  the  cosmic  midnight  shines, 
Which  Astrid  brings  from  soul-obscurity, 
Mine  ego  joins  that  self  which  fashioned  me 
To  serve  its  purpose  in  the  cosmic  life. 
But  how,  0  moment,  can  I  hold  thee  fast. 
So  that  I  do  not  lose  thee  when  once  more 


256         The  Soul's  Awakening 

My  senses  feel  earth  clearness  once  again? 
Their  power  is  great;  and  often,  if  they  slay 
The  spirit-vision,  it  stays  dead  e'en  when 
The  self  in  spirit  finds  itself  again. 

{Immediately  after  the  last  words,  as  if  sum- 
moned by  them,  Luna  appears.) 

Luna: 
Preserve,  before  the  sense-life  once  again 
Makes  thee  to  dream,  the  power  of  thine  own  will 
With  which  this  moment  hath  presented  thee. 
Think  of  the  words  that  I  myself  did  speak 
When  at  the  cosmic  midnight  seen  by  thee. 

Maria: 
My  Luna,  from  the  cosmic  midnight  thou 
Hast  brought  me  hither  mine  own  power  of  will 
To  be  my  prop  throughout  my  life  on  earth. 

Luna: 
The  Guardian's  warning  followed  thus  thy  words: 
'  Then  shalt  thou  see  thyself  in  other  guise, 
E'en  in  a  picture  of  an  olden  time. 
And  know  how  strength  for  lofty  spirit-flight 
E'en  from  disaster  may  the  soul's  wings  gain. 
A  soul  may  never  wish  itself  to  fall; 
Yet,  when  it  falls  it  must  a  lesson  learn. ' 

Maria: 
Whereto  doth  thy  word's  power  now  carry  me? 
A  spirit-star  on  yonder  shore  of  souls ! 
It  gleams,  it  draweth  nigh — in  spirit-form; 


The  Soul's  Awakening        257 

Draws  nigh  with  mine  own  self;  and,  as  it  nears, 
The  light  grows  denser  and  within  the  light 
Forms  darken,  taking  on  their  being's  shape! 
A  youthful  mystic,  and  a  sacred  flame, 
The  stern  call  of  the  highest  hierophant 
To  tell  the  vision  seen  within  the  flame! 

The  group  of  mystics  overcome  with  fear 
At  that  young  mystic's  self -acknowledgment. 

{The  Guardian  of  the  Threshold  appears  while 
the  latter  sentences  are  being  uttered.) 

The  Guardian: 
Hear  once  again  within  thy  spirit-ear 
The  stern  call  of  the  highest  hierophant. 

Maria: 
'  O  human  soul,  read  now  what  through  the  flame 

(Benedictus  appears.) 
The  cosmic  word  declares  within  thyself. ' 
Who  spoke  the  words  my  thought  brings  back  to  me, 
Recalling  them  from  waters  of  the  soul? 

Benedictus: 
With  mine  own  words  thou  callest  me  to  thee. 
When  in  times  past  I  uttered  this  command, 
It  did  not  find  thee  ready  to  respond. 
And  so  it  stayed  in  evolution's  womb; 
The  course  of  time  hath  lent  new  force  thereto 
Which  flowed  therein  from  out  thine  own  soul's  life; 
And  so  it  wrought  in  later  lives  on  earth 
17 


258         The  Soul's  Awakening 

In  thy  soul's  depths  although  thou  knewest  it  not. 

It  let  thee  find  me  as  thy  guide  again; 

By  conscious  thought  it  now  transforms  itself 

Into  a  powerful  motive  in  thy  life. 

'  This  holy  mystic  rite,  which  we  perform, 

Hath  not  importance  for  ourselves  alone; 

Fate's  stream  of  cosmic  evolution  pours 

Through  word  and  deed  of  sacred  priestly  rites.' 

Maria: 
Thou  didst  not  speak  this  word  within  that  place. 
The  hierophant  did  speak,  who  used  to  be 
Thy  colleague  in  that  ancient  mystic  band. 
He  knew  e'en  then  that  powers  of  destiny 
Foresaw  the  ending  of  this  mystic  band. 
Unconsciously  the  heirophant  beheld 
The  beauteous  rising  of  the  rosy  dawn 
Which  to  the  spirit-stream  of  earth  foretold 
A  new  sun  over  Hellas  should  arise. 
So  he  forbore  to  send  the  powerful  thought 
Which  he  should  have  directed  to  my  soul. 
The  cosmic  spirit's  instrument  was  he 
At  that  initiation,  during  which 
He  heard  the  whispering  stream  of  cosmic  life. 
He  spoke  a  word  from  out  his  inmost  soul 
'One  thing  especially  I  deeply  feel: 
The  solitude  of  this  stern  spirit-shrine. 
Why  do  I  feel  so  lonely  in  this  place?' 

Benedictus: 
In  his  soul  there  was  planted  even  then 
The  germ  of  solitude,  which  later  on 


The  Sours  Awakening        259 

Matured  to  soul-fruit  in  the  womb  of  time. 
This  fruit  Capesius  as  mystic  now- 
Must  taste,  and  so  must  follow  Felix*  steps. 

Maria: 
That  woman,  too,  who  near  the  temple  stayed, 
I  see  her  as  she  was  in  olden  time, 
But  not  yet  can  my  vision  penetrate 
To  where  she  is;  how  can  I  find  her  then 
When  sense-life  causeth  me  to  dream  again? 

The  Guardian: 
Thou  wilt  discover  her  when  thou  dost  see 
That  being  in  the  realm  of  souls  whom  she 
Doth  count  a  shade  amongst  the  other  shades. 
She  seeks  to  reach  it  with  strong  power  of  soul. 
She  will  not  free  it  from  the  world  of  shades 
Till  in  her  present  body,  through  thine  aid, 
She  hath  beheld  her  long  past  life  on  earth. 

Maria: 
Like  some  soul-star  my  highest  guardian  glides, 
In  glowing  light  toward  my  shore  of  souls; — 
His  light  spreads  peace,  far  round  the  wide  flung 

space; — 
His  light  hath  grandeur; — and  his  dignity 
Makes  strong  my  being  in  its  inmost  depths; 
In  this  peace  will  I  now  submerge  myself; — 
I  feel  before  that  through  it  I  shall  find 
My  way  to  fullest  spirit-wakefulness. 
And  ye,  too,  messengers  into  my  soul — 
I'll  keep  within  myself  as  beacon-lights. 


26o         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Upon  thee,  Astrid,  will  I  call  when  thought 
Would  from  soul-clearness  fain  withdraw  itself. 
And  thee,  O  Luna,  may  my  prayer  then  find 
When  will-power  slumbers  deep  in  my  soul  depths. 

The  curtain  falls  while  Maria,  Astrid,  and  Luna  are 
still  in  the  room 


Scene  io 

The  same.     Johannes  alone  in  meditation. 

Johannes: 
*  This  is  the  hour  in  which  he  dedicates 
Himself  to  serve  the  ancient  holy  laws 
Of  sacred  wisdom ; — in  a  dream  perchance 
I  may  in  spirit  linger  at  his  side. ' 
Thus  near  the  temple  spake  in  ancient  times 
The  woman  whom  my  spirit-vision  sees; 
By  thoughts  of  her  I  feel  my  strength  increased. 
What  is  this  picture's  purpose?     Why  doth  it 
Hold  my  attention  spellbound?     Certainly 
No  sympathy  from  out  the  picture's  self 
Accounts  for  this,  for,  should  I  see  the  scene 
In  earthly  life,  I  should  consider  it 
Of  no  importance.  What  saith  it  to  me  ? 

{As  if  from  afar  the  voice  of  'the  other  Philia.') 

The  Other  Philia: 
The  magical  web 
That  forms  their  own  self. 

Johannes: 
And  clairvoyant  dreams 
Make  clear  unto  souls 

261 


262         The  Soul's  Awakening 

The  magical  web 

That  forms  their  own  self. 

{While  Johannes  is  speaking  these  lines    'the 
other  Philia '  approaches  him.) 

Johannes: 
Who  art  thou,  magic  spirit-counsellor? 
True  counsel  didst  thou  bring  unto  my  soul 
But  didst  deceive  me  over  thine  own  self. 

The  Other  Philia: 
Johannes,  thine  own  being's  double  form 
From  thyself  didst  thou  fashion.     As  a  shade 
Must  /  roam  round  thee  for  so  long  a  time 
As  thou  thyself  shalt  not  set  free  the  shade 
Whom  thine  offence  doth  lend  a  magic  life. 

Johannes: 
This  is  the  third  time  that  thou  speakest  thus ; 
I  will  obey  thee.     Point  me  out  the  way! 

The  Other  Philia: 
Johannes,  whilst  thou  liv'st  in  spirit-light. 
Seek  what  is  treasured  up  within  thy  Self. 
From  its  own  light  it  will  shed  light  on  thee. 
Thus  canst  thou  learn  by  looking  in  thyself 
How  to  wipe  out  thy  fault  in  later  lives. 

Johannes: 
How  shall  I,  while  I  live  in  spirit-light, 
Seek  what  is  treasured  up  within  my  Self? 


The  Soul's  Awakening         263 

The  Other  Philia: 
Give  me  that  which  thou  thinkest  that  thou  art; 
Lose  thou  thyself  in  me  a  little  while, 
Yet  so  that  thou  dost  not  another  seem. 

Johannes: 
How  can  I  give  myself  to  thee  before 
I  have  beheld  thee  as  thou  really  art? 

The  Other  Philia: 
I  am  within  thee,  member  of  thy  soul; 
The  force  of  love  within  thee  is  myself; 
The  heart's  hope,  as  it  stirs  within  thy  breast, 
The  fruits  of  long-past  lives  upon  this  earth 
Laid  up  for  thee  and  hid  within  thyself. 
Behold  them  now  through  me; — feel  what  I  am. 
And  through  my  power  in  thee  behold  thyself. 
Search  out  the  pictured  being,  which  thy  sight, 
Without  thy  sympathy,  did  form  for  thee. 

(Exit.) 

Johannes: 
O  spirit-counsellor,  I  can  indeed 
Feel  thee  in  me,  yet  I  see  thee  no  more. 
Where  livest  thou  for  me  ? 

{As  if  from  afar  the  call  of  'the  other  Philia.') 

The  Other  Philia: 
The  magical  web 
That  forms  their  own  self. 

Johannes: 
'  The  magical  web 
That  forms  their  own  self.' 


264         The  Soul's  Awakening 

0  magical  web,  that  forms  mine  own  self, 
Show  me  the  pictured  being  which  my  sight 
Without  my  sympathy  did  form  for  me. 


Whereto  doth  this  word's  power  conduct  me  now? 
A  spirit-star  on  yonder  shore  of  souls — 
It  shines, — it  draweth  nigh — as  spirit-form. 
Grows  brighter  as  it  nears; — now  forms  appear; — 
They  act  as  beings  act  who  are  alive; — 
A  youthful  mystic — and  a  sacred  flame, 
The  stern  call  of  the  highest  hierophant 
To  tell  the  vision  seen  within  the  flame. 

That  woman  doth  the  youthful  mystic  seek, 
Whom  my  sight  saw  without  my  sympathy. 

(Maria  appears  as  a  thought-form  of  Johannes.) 

Maria: 
Who  thought  of  thee  before  the  sacred  flame? 
Who  felt  thee  near  initiation's  shrine? 

Johannes,  wouldst  thou  tear  thy  spirit-shade 
From  out  the  magic  kingdoms  of  the  soul; 
Live  then  the  aims  that  it  will  show  to  thee; 
The  path  on  which  thou  seek'st  will  guide  thy  steps, 
But  thou  must  first  discover  it  aright. 
The  woman  near  the  temple  shows  it  thee 
If  she  lives  powerfully  within  thy  thought. 
Spellbound  amongst  shade-spirits  doth  she  strive 
To  draw  nigh  to  that  other  shade  who  now 
Through  thee  doth  evil  service  to  grim  shades. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         265 

{The  Spirit  of  Johannes'  Youth  appears.) 

The  Spirit  of  Johannes'  Youth: 
I  will  be  grateful  to  thee  evermore 
If  thou  in  love  dost  cultivate  the  powers 
Laid  up  for  me  within  the  womb  of  time 
By  that  young  mystic  in  that  bygone  age 
Whom  once  thy  soul  sought  at  the  temple  gate. 
But  thou  must  first  this  spirit  truly  see 
At  whose  side  I  have  now  appeared  to  thee. 

Maria: 
Maria,  as  thou  wouldst  behold  her,  lives 
In  other  worlds  than  those  where  truth  abides. 
My  holy  earnest  vow  doth  ray  out  strength 
Which  shall  keep  for   thee  that  which  thou  hast 

gained. 
In  these  clear  fields  of  light  me  shalt  thou  find 
Where  radiant  beauty  life-power  doth  create; 
Seek  me  in  cosmic  fundaments,  where  souls 
Fight  to  recover  their  divine  estate 
Through  love,  which  in  the  whole  beholds  the  self. 

{While  Maria  is  speaking  the  last  lines,  Lucifer 
appears.) 

Lucifer: 
So  work,  compelling  powers; 
Act  therefore,  powers  of  might. 
Ye  elemental  sprites, 
Feel  now  your  master's  power. 
And  smooth  for  me  the  way 
That  leads  from  realms  of  Earth 


266         The  Sours  Awakening 

That  so  there  may  draw  near 
To  Lucifer's  domain 
Whate'er  my  wish  desires, 
Whate'er  obeys  my  will. 
{Enter  Benedictus.) 

Benedictus: 
Maria's  holy  earnest  vow  doth  pour 
Now  through  his  soul  salvation's  healing  ray. 
He  will  admire  thee,  but  he  will  not  fall. 

Lucifer: 
I  mean  to  fight. 

Benedictus: 
And,  fighting  serve  the  gods. 

Curtain 


Scene  ii 

The  same.     Enter  Benedictus  and  Strader. 

Strader: 
Thou  didst  speak  gravely,  and  Maria  spoke 
Right  harshly  to  me  also,  when  ye  two 
Showed  yourselves  to  me  at  my  life's  abyss. 

Benedictus: 
Thou  know'st  those  pictures  have  no  proper  life; 
Their  content  only,  strives  to  make  its  way 
Into  the  soul,  and  takes  pictorial  form. 

Strader: 
Yet  it  was  hard  to  hear  these  pictures  say: 
'Where  is  thy  light?     Thou  rayest  darkness  out, 
Midst  light  thou  dost  create  the  baffling  gloom.' 
So  spake  the  spirit  through  Maria's  form. 

Benedictus: 
Because  in  thine  ascent  thou  hadst  attained 
To  higher  levels  on  the  spirit-path. 
The  spirit,  which  had  led  thee  to  itself, 
Used  darkness  as  a  symbol  to  depict 
The  state  of  knowledge  which  was  thine  before. 
This  spirit  chose  to  use  Maria's  form 

267 


268         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Because  thy  soul  itself  so  fashioned  it. 
The  spirit,  my  dear  Strader,  at  this  hour 
Works  mightily  within  thee  and  will  lead 
Thee  with  swift  flight  to  lofty  grades  of  soul. 

Strader: 
And  yet  these  words  still  terrify  my  soul : 
'Because  thou  art  afraid  to  ray  out  light.' 
The  spirit  spake  this  also  in  that  scene. 

Benedictus: 
The  spirit  had  to  call  thy  soul  afraid 
Because  in  thee  those  things  were  fearfulness 
Which  would,  in  lesser  souls,  be  bravery. 
As  we  advance,  our  former  bravery 
Tiurns  into  fear  which  must  be  overcome. 

Strader: 
Oh !  how  these  words  do  pierce  me  to  the  heart ! 
Romanus  lately  told  me  of  his  plan: 
I  was  to  carry  out  the  work  myself 
Not  as  thy  partner  but  without  thine  aid. 
In  this  event,  he  was  prepared  to  use 
All  that  he  had  to  succour  Hilary. 
When  I  declared  that  I  could  ne'er  consent 
To  separate  the  work  from  out  thy  group. 
He  answered  that  in  that  case  it  would  be 
In  vain  to  make  more  effort.     He  it  is 
Who  backs  the  opposition  to  my  work, 
Which  Hilary's  companion  offereth. 
Without  these  plans  my  life  must  worthless  seem. 
Since  these  two  men  have  torn  away  from  me 


The  Soul's  Awakening         269 

My  field  of  action,  all  that  I  can  see 

Ahead  is  life  reft  of  the  breath  of  life. 

In  order  that  my  spirit  may  not  show 

Discouragement  I  need  that  bravery 

Of  which  thou  spak'st  just  now.     But  whether  I 

Shall  find  my  strength  sufficient  for  the  task 

Is  more  than  I  can  say,  for  I  can  feel 

How  that  same  force  which  I  must  needs  set  free 

Will  likewise  work  on  me  distinctively. 

Benedictus: 
Maria  and  Johannes  have  just  made 
Advances  in  clairvoyance ;  and  the  things 
Which  hindered  them  from  bridging  o'er  the  gap 
Between  the  mystic  life  and  world  of  sense 
Are  no  more  there,  and  in  the  course  of  time 
Aims  will  appear  in  which  both  thou  and  they 
Can  take  part  jointly.     'Tis  not  guidance,  but 
Creative  strength  that  flows  from  mystic  words : 
'For  that  which  must  will  surely  come  to  pass.' 
And  so  in  wakefulness  we  must  await 
The  way  in  which  the  spirit  sends  the  signs. 

Strader: 
A  vision  came  to  me  not  long  ago 
Which  I  must  hold  to  be  a  sign  from  fate. 
I  was  aboard  a  ship,  thou  at  the  helm, 
The  labouring  oars  were  under  my  command; 
And  we  were  bearing  to  their  place  of  work 
Maria  and  Johannes;  there  appeared 
Another  ship  quite  close  to  us ;  on  board 
Romanus  and  the  friend  of  Hilary — 


270         The  Soul's  Awakening 

They  lay  across  our  course  as  enemies. 

I  battled  with  them ; — as  the  fight  went  on 

Lo!  Ahriman  stood  by  their  side  to  help. 

While  I  was  bitterly  engaged  with  him 

Came  Theodora  to  my  side,  in  aid, 

And  then  the  vision  vanished  from  my  sight. 

I  dared  to  say  once  to  Capesius 

And  Felix  that  I  could  with  ease  endure 

The  opposition  which  now  menaceth 

My  work  from  outward  sources  e'en  if  all 

My  plans  were  ruined — I  should  stand  upright. 

Suppose  that  picture  now  should  show  to  me 

That  outward  opposition  doth  imply 

An  inward  fight — a  fight  with  Ahriman; 

Am  I  well  armoured  also  for  this  fight  ? 

Benedictus: 
My  friend,  I  can  behold  in  thine  own  soul 
This  picture  is  not  fully  ripe  as  yet. 
I  feel  thou  canst  make  stronger  still  the  power 
Which  showed  this  picture  to  thy  spirit's  eye. 
I  can  feel  too  that  for  thy  friends  and  thee 
This  picture  can  create  new  powers  of  soul 
If  only  thou  wilt  rightly  strive  for  strength. 
This  can  I  feel; — how  it  shall  be  fulfilled 
Remains  a  secret  hidden  from  my  sight. 

Curtain 


Scene  12 

The  interior  of  the  earth.  Enormous  crystal  formations, 
with  streams  like  lava  breaking  through  them.  The 
whole  scene  is  faintly  luminous,  transparent  in 
some  parts,  and  with  the  light  shining  through  from 
behind  in  others.  Above  are  red  flames  which 
appear  to  be  being  pressed  downward  from  the 
roof.  {One  hand  of  Ahriman  is  a  claw  and  he  has 
a  cloven  hoof.  This  is  to  show  the  audience  that  his 
identity  as  the  Devil  is  being  discovered.  Fox  has  a 
cloven  hoof.) 

Ahriman  {at first  alone): 
Now  living  matter  falleth  from  above 
Which  I  must  use.     It  is  the  stuff  whereof 
Are  demons  made,  and  it  is  flowing  free 
Within  the  world  of  form.     A  man  doth  strive 
To  tear  from  out  his  being  utterly 
The  spirit-substance  he  received  from  me. 
My  influence  hath  been  till  now  quite  good, 
But  now  he  is  too  near  the  mystic  throng 
Whom  Benedictus  through  his  wisdom's  light 
Hath  lent  the  power  enabling  them  to  face 
Awakening  at  the  cosmic  midnight  hour. 
O'er  him  hath  Lucifer  his  influence  cast : 
So  that  Maria  and  Johannes  could 

271 


'212         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Release  themselves  from  out  his  sphere  of  light. 

Henceforth  to  Strader  I  must  closely  cling. 

Once  he  is  mine  I'll  catch  the  others  too. 

Johannes  wore  himself  quite  dull  and  blunt 

Against  my  shadow ; — now  he  knows  me  well. 

Through  Strader  only  can  I  get  at  him. 

And  in  Maria's  case  it  is  the  same; 

Yet  Strader  will  perhaps  not  recognize 

The  spirit-tangle,  which  to  human  eyes 

Appears  as  nature,  is  in  fact  naught  else 

Than  mine  own  personal  spirit-property. 

And  so  he  may  conceive  that  energy 

And  matter  blindly  struggle  there  where  I, 

Denying  spirit,  fashion  spirit-things. 

'Tis  true  the  rest  have  talked  to  him  a  lot 

About  my  being  and  about  my  realm; 

And  yet,  methinks,  I  have  not  lost  him  quite. 

He  will  forget  that  Benedictus  sent 

Him  hither  unto  me,  but  half -awake, 

That  his  belief  may  be  dispelled  that  I 

Am  but  a  woven  thought  in  human  brains. 

Yet  I  shall  need  some  earthly  help  if  I 

Must  bring  him  here  before  it  is  too  late. 

Now  therefore  I  will  call  upon  a  soul 

Which  in  its  cleverness  considers  me 

To  be  naught  else  than  some  dull  foolish  clown. 

He  serves  me  on  and  off,  when  I  have  need. 

{Ahriman  goes  off  and  returns  with  the  soul  of 
Fox,  whose  figure  is  a  sort  of  copy  of  his  own. 
On  entering  he  takes  a  bandage  from  the  eyes 
of  this  person  representing  the  soul.) 


The  Soul's  Awakening         273 

Ahriman:  {Aside) 
Earth-knowledge  he  must  leave  here  at  the  door. 
For  he  must  never  understand  the  things 
Which  here  he  learns,  since  he  is  honest  still; 
No  effort  would  he  make,  if  he  once  knew 
The  purpose  with  which  I  now  influence  him. 
He  must  be  able  later  to  forget. 

{To  Fox) 
Dost  thou  know  doctor  Strader,  who  serves  me? 

The  Soul  of  Fox: 
He  drifts  about  upon  the  star  of  Earth ; 
He  would  build  learned  prattle  into  life ; 
And  yet  each  wind  of  life  will  knock  him  down. 
He  listens  eagerly  to  mystic  prigs, 
And  is  already  stifled  by  their  fog; 
He  now  doth  try  to  blind  poor  Hilary, 
Whose  friend,  however,  keeps  him  well  in  hand, 
Since  all  these  braggart  spirit-whisperings 
Would  otherwise  his  business  quite  destroy. 

Ahriman:  {Aside) 
Such  talk  as  this  is  not  what  I  require. 
I  now  have  need  of  Strader — whilst  this  man 
Can  still  have  perfect  faith  in  his  own  self; 
Then  Benedictus  far  too  easily 
Will  make  his  wisdom  known  amongst  mankind. 
The  friend  of  Hilary  might  be  of  use 
To  Lucifer;  I  must  act  otherwise — 
Through  Strader  I  must  Benedictus  harm. 
For  he  and  all  his  pupils  can  achieve 


274         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Nothing  at  all,  hath  he  not  Strader's  aid. 
Mine  enemies  of  course  still  have  their  powers, 
And  after  Strader's  death  he  will  be  theirs. 
But  if  while  still  on  earth  his  soul  can  be 
Deceived  about  itself,  my  gain  will  be  \ 

That  Benedictus  can  no  longer  use 
Him  as  the  leader  of  his  coach's  team. 
Now  in  fate's  book  I  have  already  read 
That  Strader's  span  of  life  is  nearly  run. 
But  Benedictus  can  not  yet  see  this. 
My  trusty  knave,  too  crafty  is  thy  wit, 
Who  takest  me  for  some  dull  foolish  clown. 

{To  Fox) 
So  well  thou  reasonest  that  men  attend. 
Go  therefore  and  see  Strader  very  soon 
Tell  him  that  his  machine  is  ill-contrived; 
That  'tis  not  only  unpropitious  times 
That  check  fulfilment  of  his  promises; 
But  that  his  reasoning  also  is  at  fault. 

The  Soul  of  Fox: 
For  such  a  mission  am  I  well  equipped. 
For  some  time  past  I  have  done  nothing  else 
But  think  how  I  can  unto  Strader  prove 
How  full  of  error  his  ambitions  are. 
When  once  a  man  hath  formed  a  clever  scheme 
By  dint  of  many  nights  of  earnest  thought 
He  will  with  ease  believe  that  ill-success 
Is  due  not  to  his  thought  but  outward  acts. 
And  Strader's  case  is  surely  pitiable; 
Had  such  a  man  as  he  shunned  mystic  snobs, 


The  Soul's  Awakening         275 

And  made  fit  use  of  his  fine  intellect, 

His  great  endowments  surely  would  have  borne 

Much  fruit  and  profit  for  humanity. 

Ahriman: 
Now  see  to  it  that  thou  art  shrewdly  armed. 
This  is  thy  task :  Thou  art  to  undermine 
The  confidence  of  Strader  in  himself. 
No  longer  then  will  he  desire  to  work 
With  Benedictus,  who  must  henceforth  rest 
Upon  himself  and  his  own  arguments. 
But  these  are  not  so  pleasing  to  mankind, 
Who  will  be  more  opposed  to  them  on  earth 
The  more  their  inmost  nature  is  disclosed. 


The  Soul  of  Fox: 
I  see  already  how  I  shall  begin 
To  show  to  Strader  where  his  thought  hath  failed. 
There  is  a  flaw  within  his  new  machine, 
Though  he  cannot  perceive  it  of  himself. 
A  veil  of  mystic  darkness  hinders  him. 
But  I,  with  my  clear  common  sense,  shall  be 
Of  much  more  use  to  him  than  mystic  dreams. 
This  for  a  long  while  hath  been  my  desire ; 
Yet  knew  I  not  how  to  accomplish  it. 
At  length  a  light  is  thrown  athwart  my  path. 
Now  must  I  think  of  all  the  arguments 
Which  will  make  Strader  realize  the  truth. 

{Ahriman  leads  out  Fox's  soul  arid  again  blindfolds 

the  individual  portraying  the  soul  before  he 

is  allowed  to  depart.) 


276         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Ahriman  {alone): 
He  will  be  of  great  service  unto  me. 
The  mystic  light  on  earth  doth  burn  me  sore; 
I  must  work  further  there,  but  must  not  let 
The  mystics  unto  men  my  work  reveal. 
{Theodora's  soul  appears.) 

Theodora's  Soul: 
Thou  mayest  Strader  reach ;  but  none  the  less 
I  shall  be  by  his  side;  and  since  we  were 
United  on  the  radiant  path  of  souls, 
We  shall  remain  united  wheresoe'er 
He  dwells  on  earth  or  in  the  spirit-realms. 

Ahriman: 
If  she  indeed  forsakes  him  not,  the  while 
He  still  doth  dwell  on  earth,  I  stand  to  lose 
My  battle;  yet  I  shall  not  cease  to  hope 
That  he  may  yet  forget  her  'ere  the  end. 

Curtain 


Scene  13 

A  large  reception  room  in  Hilary's  house.  As  the 
curtain  rises  Hilary  and  Romanus  are  in  conver- 
sation. 

Hilary: 
I  must  with  grief  confess  to  thee,  dear  friend, 
That  this  fate's  tangle,  which  is  forming  here 
Within  Gtir  circle,  well-nigh  crusheth  me. 
On  what  can  one  rely,  when  nothing  holds? 
The  friends  of  Benedictus  are  by  thee 
Kept  far  from  our  endeavours;  Strader,  too, 
Is  torn  by  bitter  agonies  of  doubt. 
A  man  who,  full  of  shrewdness  and  of  hate, 
Hath  oft  opposed  the  mystic  life  and  aims. 
Hath  pointed  out  grave  errors  in  his  plans 
And  shewn  that  his  invention  cannot  work, 
And  is  not  only  stopped  by  outward  checks. 
Life  hath  not  brought  me  any  ripened  fruit; 
I  longed  for  perfect  deeds.     And  yet  the  thoughts 
That  bring  deeds  unto  ripeness  never  came. 
My  soul  was  ever  plagued  by  loneliness. 
By  spirit-sight  alone  was  I  upborne. 
And  yet; — in  Strader's  case  I  was  deceived. 

Romanus: 
I  often  felt  as  though  some  gruesome  shape 
Was  pressing  painfully  upon  my  soul 

277 


2']'^         The  SouFs  Awakening 

Whene'er  thy  words  were  in  the  course  of  life 
Shown  to  be  naught  but  errors  and  mistakes; 
That  as  the  spirit-sight  seemed  to  deceive 
My  mystic  master  did  this  shape  become 
Within  me  and  did  set  a  feeling  free 
Which  now  enables  me  to  give  thee  light. 
Too  blindly  hast  thou  trusted  spirit-sight ; 
And  so  as  error  it  appears  to  thee 
When  it  doth  surely  lead  thee  to  the  truth. 
In  Strader's  case  thy  sight  was  true,  despite 
The  things  that  super-clever  men  hath  shown. 

Hilary: 
Thy  faith  still  doth  not  waver,  and  thou  hast 
The  same  opinion  now  of  Strader's  work? 

Komanus: 
The  reasons  whereon  I  did  build  it  up 
Have  naught  to  do  with  Strader's  friends  at  all 
And  still  are  valid,  whether  his  machine 
Prove  itself  true  or  faulty  in  design. 
Supposing  he  hath  made  an  error;  well, 
A  man  through  error  finds  the  way  to  truth. 

Hilary: 
The  failure  then  doth  not  affect  thee — thee 
To  whom  life  hath  brought  nothing  but  success? 

Komanus: 
Those  who  do  not  fear  failure  will  succeed. 
It  only  needs  an  understanding  eye 
To  see  what  bearing  mysticism  has 
Upon  our  case,  and  forthwith  there  appears 


The  Soul's  Awakening         279 

The  view  that  we  should  take  of  Strader's  work. 

He  will  come  off  victorious  in  the  fight 

Which  flings  the  spirit-portals  open  wide; 

Undaunted  by  the  watchman  will  he  stride 

Across  the  threshold  of  the  spirit-land. 

My  soul  hath  deeply  realized  the  words 

Which  that  stern  Guardian  of  the  threshold  spoke, 

I  feel  him  even  now  at  Strader's  side. 

Whether  he  sees  him,  or  toward  him  goes 

Unknowing,  this  indeed  I  cannot  say; 

But  I  believe  that  I  know  Strader  well. 

He  will  courageously  make  up  his  mind 

That  self-enlightenment  must  come  through  pain; 

The  will  will  ever  bear  him  company 

Who  bravely  goes  to  meet  what  lies  before, 

And,  fortified  by  Hope's  strength-giving  stream, 

Doth  boldly  face  the  pain  which  knowledge  brings. 

Hilary: 
My  friend,  I  thank  thee  for  these  mystic  words. 
Oft  have  I  heard  them ;  now  for  the  first  time 
I  feel  the  secret  meaning  they  enfold. 
The  cosmic  ways  are  hard  to  comprehend — 
My  portion,  my  dear  friend,  it  is  to  wait 
Until  the  spirit  points  me  out  the  way 
Which  is  appropriate  unto  my  sight. 

{Exeunt  left.) 
{Enter  Capesiiis  and  Felix  Balde,  shown  in  by  the 
Secretary,  on  right.) 

Secretary: 
I  think  that  Benedictus  will  return 
Sometime  today  from  off  his  journey;  but 


28o         The  Soul's  Awakening 

He  is  not  here  at  present;  if  thou  com'st 
Again  tomorrow  thou  shouldst  find  him  here. 

Felix  Balde: 
Can  we  then  have  a  talk  with  Hilary? 


{Exit.) 


Secretary: 
I'll  go  and  ask  him  now  to  come  to  you. 

Felix  Balde: 
A  vision  of  deep  import  hast  thou  seen. 
Couldst  thou  not  tell  it  to  me  o'er  again? 
One  cannot  apprehend  such  things  aright 
Till  they  are  fully  grasped  by  spirit-sight. 

Capesius: 
It  came  this  morning,  when  I  thought  myself 
Wrapt  in  the  stillness  of  the  mystic  trance. 
My  senses  slept,  and  with  them  memory. 
To  spirit  things  alone  was  I  alive. 
At  first  I  saw  naught  but  familiar  sights. 
Then  Strader's  soul  came  clearly  into  view 
Before  mine  inner  eye,  and  for  a  while 
Stood  silent,  so  that  I  had  ample  time 
To  make  sure  I  was  consciously  awake. 
But  soon  I  also  heard  him  clearly  say 
'Abandon  not  the  real  true  mystic  mood,' 
As  if  the  sound  came  from  his  inmost  soul. 
He  then  continued,  with  sharp  emphasis: 
'To  strive  for  naught;  but  just  to  live  in  peace: 
Expectancy  the  soul's  whole  inner  life. 
Such  is  the  mystic  mood.     And  of  itself 


The  Soul's  Awakening         281 

It  wakes,  unsought  amid  the  stream  of  life, 

Whene'er  a  human  soul  is  rightly  strong 

And  seeks  the  spirit  with  all-powerful  thought. 

This  mood  comes  often  in  our  stillest  hours 

Yet  also  in  the  heat  of  action ;  then 

It  Cometh  lest  the  soul  may  thoughtless  lose 

The  tender  sight  of  spirit-happenings. ' 

Felix  Balde: 
Like  to  the  very  echo  of  my  words 
This  utt 'ranee  sounds, — yet  not  quite  what  I  meant. 

Capesius: 
On  close  consideration  one  might  find 
The  opposite  of  thine  own  words  therein, — 
And  more  distinctly  doth  this  fact  appear 
When  we  give  heed  to  this  his  further  speech 
'  Whoever  falsely  wakes  the  mystic  mood 
It  leads  his  inmost  soul  but  to  himself 
And  weaves  betwixt  himself  and  realms  of  light 
The  dark  veil  of  his  own  soul's  enterprise. 
If  this  thou  wouldst  through  mysticism  seek 
Mystic  illusion  will  destroy  thy  life. ' 

Felix  Balde: 
This  can  be  nothing  else  than  words  of  mine 
By  Strader's  spirit-views  transformed;  in  thee 
They  echo  as  a  grievous  mystic  fault. 

Capesius: 
Moreover  Strader's  final  words  were  these: 
'A  man  can  not  attain  the  spirit-world 


282         The  Soul*s  Awakening 

By  seeking  to  unlock  the  gates  himself. 
Truth  doth  not  sound  within  the  soul  of  him 
Who  only  seeks  a  mood  for  many  years.* 

(Philia  appears,  perceptible  only  to  Capesius; 
Felix  Balde  shows  that  he  does  not  compre- 
hend what  follows.) 

Philia: 
Capesius,  if  soon  thou  markest  well 
What  in  thy  seeking  comes  to  thee  unsought, 
'Twill  strengthen  thee  with  many-coloured  light ; 
In  pictured  being  it  will  pierce  thee  through 
Since  thy  soul-forces  show  it  unto  thee. 
That  which  thy  self's  sun-nature  rays  on  thee 
By  Saturn's  ripened  wisdom  will  be  dulled; 
Then  to  thy  vision  will  there  be  disclosed 
That  which  in  earth-life  thou  canst  comprehend. 
Then  I  will  lead  thee  to  the  guardian 
Who  on  the  spirit-threshold  keeps  his  watch. 

Felix  Balde: 
From  circles  which  I  know  not  issue  words. 
Their  sound  awakes  no  being  full  of  light 
And  so  they  are  not  fully  real  to  me. 

Capesius: 
The  hint  which  Philia  hath  given  me 
Shall  be  my  guide  so  that  from  this  time  forth 
In  spirit  too  may  be  revealed  what  I 
Already  as  a  man  upon  the  earth. 
Can  find  within  the  circuit  of  my  life. 

Curtain 


Scene  14 

The   same.    Hilarys    wife   in    conversation   with  the 
Manager. 

Hilary's  wife: 
That  fate  itself  doth  not  desire  the  deed 
Which  yet  my  husband  thinks  imperative, 
Seems  likely  when  one  views  the  tangled  threads 
This  power  doth  weave  to  form  the  knot  in  life, 
Which  holds  us  here  in  its  compelling  bonds. 

Manager: 
A  knot  of  fate  indeed,  which  truly  seems 
Unable  to  be  loosed  by  human  sense — 
And  so,  I  take  it,  it  must  needs  be  cut. 

I  see  no  other  possibility 

Than  that  the  strand  which  links  thy  husband's  life 

To  mine  must  now  at  last  be  cut  in  twain. 

Hilary's  wife: 
What!    Part  from  thee! — My  husband  never  will. 
'Twould  go  against  the  spirit  of  the  house 
Which  by  his  own  dear  father  was  inspired 
And  which  the  son  will  faithfully  uphold. 

Manager: 
But  hath  he  not  already  broken  faith? 
The  aims  that  Hilary  hath  now  in  view 

283 


284         The  SouFs  Awakening 

Can  surely  not  be  found  along  the  road 
His  father's  spirit  ever  walked  upon. 

Hilary's  wife: 
My  husband's  happiness  in  life  now  hangs 
On  the  successful  issue  of  these  aims. 
I  saw  the  transformation  of  his  soul 
As  soon  as,  like  a  lightning  flash,  the  thought 
Illumined  him.     He  had  found  hitherto 
Nothing  in  life  but  sad  soul-loneliness, 
A  feeling  which  he  was  at  pains  to  hide 
E'en  from  the  circle  of  his  closest  friends 
But  which  consumed  him  inwardly  the  more. 
Till  then  he  deemed  himself  of  no  account 
Because  thoughts  would  not  spring  up  in  his  soul 
Which  seemed  to  him  to  be  of  use  in  life. 
But  when  this  plan  of  mystic  enterprise 
Then  stood  before  his  soul,  he  grew  quite  young, 
He  was  another  man,  a  happy  man; 
This  aim  first  gave  to  him  a  worth  in  life. 
That  thou  couldst  ere  oppose  him  in  this  work 
Was  inconceivable  till  it  occurred. 
He  felt  the  blow  more  keenly  than  aught  else 
That  in  his  life  hath  yet  befallen  him. 
Couldst   thou    but  know  the  pain  that   thou   hast 

caused, 
Thou  wouldst  not  surely  be  so  harsh  with  him. 

Manager: 
I  feel  as  if  my  manhood  would  be  lost 
If  I  should  set  myself  to  go  against 
Mine  own  convictions. — I  shall  find  it  hard 


The  Soul's  Awakening         285 

To  do  my  work  with  Strader  at  my  side. 

Yet  I  decided  I  would  bear  this  load 

To  help  Romanus,  whom  I  understand 

Since  he  concerning  Strader  spake  with  me. 

What  he  explained  became  the  starting-point 

For  me  of  mine  own  spirit-pupilship. 

There  was  a  power  that  flamed  forth  from  his  words 

And  entered  actively  within  my  soul ; 

I  never  yet  had  felt  it  so  before. 

His  counsel  is  most  precious,  though  as  yet 

I  cannot  understand  and  follow  it ; 

Romanus  only  cares  for  Strader  now; 

He  thinks  the  other  mystics  by  their  share 

Not  only  are  a  hindrance  to  the  work 

But  also  are  a  danger  to  themselves. 

For  his  opinion  I  have  such  regard 

That  I  must  now  believe  the  following: 

If  Strader  cannot  find  a  way  to  work 

Without  his  friends,  'twill  be  a  sign  of  fate. 

A  sign  that  with  these  friends  he  must  abide. 

And  only  later  fashion  faculties, 

Through  mystic  striving  for  some  outward  work. 

The  fact  that  recently  he  hath  become 

More  closely  knit  to  them  than  formerly, 

Despite  a  slight  estrangement  for  a  while, 

Makes  me  believe  that  he  will  find  his  way, 

Lies  in  this  state  of  things,  though  it  involves 

A  failure,  for  the  present,  of  his  aims. 

Hilary's  wife: 
Thou  see'st  the  man  with  only  that  much  sight 
With  which  Romanus  hath  entrusted  thee, 


286         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Thou  shouldst  gaze  on  him  with  unbiased  eye. 

He  can  so  steep  himself  in  spirit-life 

That  he  appears  quite  sundered  from  the  earth. 

Then  spirit  forms  his  whole  environment 

And  Theodora  liveth  then  for  him. 

In  speaking  with  him  it  appears  as  if 

She  too  were  present.     Many  mystics  can 

Express  the  spirit-message  in  such  words 

As  bring  conviction  after  careful  thought; 

But  Strader's  very  speech  hath  this  same  power. 

One  sees  that  he  sets  little  store  upon 

Mere  inward  spirit-life  that  is  content 

With  feelings  only;  the  explorer's  zeal 

Doth  ever  prove  his  guide  in  mystic  life. 

And  so  his  mystic  aims  do  not  destroy 

His  sense  for  scientific  schemes  which  seem 

Both  practical  and  useful  for  this  life. 

Try  to  perceive  this  faculty  in  him, 

And  through  him  also  learn  another  thing, 

How  one's  own  personal  judgment  of  one's  friends 

Is  of  more  value  than  another  man's 

Such  as  Romanus  hath  acquired  of  him. 

Manager: 
In  such  a  case  as  this,  so  far  removed 
From  all  the  vista  of  my  usual  thought. 
The  judgment  of  Romanus  seems  to  me 
Some  solid  ground  to  stand  on.     If,  myself, 
I  enter  realms  to  mysticism  near, 
I  surely  need  such  guidance  as  indeed 
A  man  can  only  give  me  who  can  win 
My  confidence  by  so  much  of  himself 


The  Soul's  Awakening         287 

As  I  myself  can  fully  comprehend. 

{Enter  the  Secretary.) 
You  seem  upset,  my  friend;  what  hath  occurred? 

Secretary  {hesitatingly) : 
Good  doctor  Strader  died  a  few  hours  since. 

Manager: 
Died?— Strader? 

Hilary's  wife: 
What.     Not  Strader  dead  ? — Where  now 
Is  Hilary? 

Secretary: 
He  is  in  his  own  room. 

He  seemed  quite  stricken  when  the  messenger 
First  brought  the  news  to  him  from  Strader's  house. 
{Exit  Hilary's  wife,  followed  by  the  Secretary.) 

Manager  {alone) : 
Dead — Strader ! — Can  this  really  be  the  truth  ? 

The  spirit-sleep  of  which  I  heard  so  much 

Now  toucheth  me. — The  fate  which  here  doth  guide 

The  threads  of  life  wears  now  a  serious  face. 

O  little  soul  of  mine,  what  mighty  hand 

Hath  now  laid  hold  upon  thy  thread  of  fate, 

And  given  it  a  part  within  this  knot. 

'But  that  which  must  will  surely  come  to  pass!' 
Why  is  it  that  these  words  have  never  left 


288  The  Soul's  Awakening 

My  mind  since  Strader  spake  them  long  ago 
When  talking  with  myself  and  Hilary? — 
As  if  they  reached  him  from  another  world 
So  did  they  sound; — he  spake  as  if  entranced; — 
What  is  to  come  to  pass? — Right  well  I  know 
The  spirit-world  laid  hands  upon  me  then. 
Within  those  words  there  sounds  the  spirit-speech- 
Sounds  earnest — ;  how  can  I  its  weaving  learn? 

Curtain 


Scene  15 

The   same.     Doctor    Strader's    nurse    is    sitting    there 
waiting.     Enter  the  Secretary. 

Secretary: 
Soon  Benedictus  will,  I  hope,  appear 
And  hear  himself  the  message  thou  dost  bring: 
He  went  a  journey  and  hath  just  returned. 
A  great  man  surely  doctor  Strader  was. 
At  first  I  did  not  have  much  confidence 
In  Hilary's  tremendous  plan  of  work; 
But,  as  I  frequently  was  in  the  room 
Whilst  Strader  was  engaged  in  showing  him 
What_further  needs  his  plan  of  work  involved, 
All  my  objections  swiftly  lost  their  force. 
Aye  full  of  spirit,  with  the  keenest  sense 
For  all  things  possible  and  purposeful, 
He  yet  was  ever  heedful  that  the  end 
Should  issue  reasonably  from  the  work; 
Ne'er  would  he  anything  for  granted  take. 
He  held  himself  quite  as  a  mystic  should; 
As  people  who  are  anxious  to  behold 
A  lovely  view  from  some  tall  mountain-crest 
Keep  plodding  on  till  they  have  reached  the  top 
Nor  try  to  paint  the  picture  in  advance. 
19  289 


290         The  Soul's  Awakening 

Nurse: 
A  man  of  lofty  spirit  and  great  gifts 
Thou  knewest  hard  at  work  in  active  life. 
I,  in  the  short  time  it  was  given  me 
To  render  earth's  last  services  to  him 
Learned  to  admire  his  loftiness  of  soul. 
A  sweet  soul,  that,  except  for  seven  years 
Of  utmost  bliss,  walked  aye  through  life  alone. 
Their  wisdom  mystics  offered  him, — but  love 
Was  all  his  need; — his  lust  for  outward  deeds 
Was  naught  but — love,  which  sought  for  many  forms 
Of  life  in  which  to  manifest  itself. 
That  which  this  soul  sought  on  the  mystic  path 
Was  needful  to  its  being's  noble  fire, 
As  sleep  is  to  the  body  after  toil. 

Secretary: 
In  him  the  mystic  wisdom  was  the  source 
Of  outward  deeds  as  well;  for  all  his  work 
Was  ever  fully  steeped  in  its  ideals. 

Nurse: 
Because  in  him  love  was  a  natural  law, 
And  he  had  to  unite  himself  in  soul 
With  all  the  aspirations  of  his  life; 
E'en  his  last  thoughts  were  still  about  the  work 
To  which  in  love  he  did  devote  himself — 
As  people  part  from  beings  whom  they  love 
So  Strader's  soul  reluctantly  did  leave 
The  work  on  earth  through  which  his  love  had 
poured. 


The  Soul's  Awakening         291 

Secretary: 
He  lived  in  spirit  with  full  consciousness : 
And  Theodora  was  with  him  as  aye 
She  was  in  life — true  mystic  souls  feel  thus. 

/ 
Nurse: 

Because  his  loneliness  knit  him  to  her, 

She  stood  before  him  still  in  death.     By  her 

He  felt  that  he  was  called  to  spirit- worlds 

To  finish  there  his  incompleted  task. 

For  Benedictus  just  before  his  death 

He  wrote  a  message  which  I  now  have  come 

To  give  into  the  mystic  leader's  hands. 

So  must  the  life  of  this  our  time  on  earth 

Unfold  itself  yet  further,  full  of  doubt ; — 

But  brightened  by  sun-beings  such  as  he, 

From  whom  a  wider  number  may  receive, 

Like  planets,  light-rays  which  awaken  life. 

{Enter  Benedictus  left.    Exit  Secretary  right.) 

Nurse: 
Before  his  strength  departed,  Strader  wrote 
These  few  lines  for  thee.     I  have  come  to  bring 
His  message  to  his  faithful  mystic  friend. 

Benedictus: 
And  as  he  set  this  message  down  for  me 
What  were  the  themes  that  his  soul  dwelt  upon  ? 

Nurse: 
At  first  the  latest  of  his  plans  in  life 
Lived  in  his  thought;  then  Theodora  came 


292         The  Soul's  Awakening 

To  join  him  in  the  spirit ;  feeling  this 

His  soul  did  gently  leave  its  body's  sheath. 

Benedictus: 
My  thanks  to  thee,  thou  faithful  soul,  for  all 
Thy  services  to  him  whilst  yet  on  earth. 

{Exit    nurse.     Benedictus    reads    Strader's   last 
words.) 

Benedictus:  (reading) 
'My  friend,  when  I  perceived  my  strength  was  spent 
And  saw  that  opposition  to  my  work 
Did  not  alone  from  outward  sources  rise, 
But  that  the  inner  flaws  of  my  own  thought 
Were  obstacles  to  check  my  plan's  success, 
Once  more  I  saw  that  vision  which  I  told 
Not  long  ago  to  thee.     But  yet  this  time 
The  vision  ended  otherwise.     No  more 
Was  Ahriman  my  foe;  a  spirit  stood 
There,  in  his  stead,  whom  I  could  clearly  feel 
To  represent  my  own  erroneous  thought. 
And  then  did  I  remember  thine  own  words 
About  the  strengthening  mine  own  soul's  powers. 
But  thereupon  the  spirit  disappeared.' — 
There  are  a  few  more  words, — but  I  cannot 
Decipher  them — a  chaos  covers  them 
By  weaving  in  a  veil  of  active  thought. 

{Ahriman  appears;  Benedictus  sees  him.) 
{There  is  no  longer  any  illusion  about  Ahriman. 
His  form  is  much  more  inhuman;  his  right 
arm  is  bone,  his  right  hand  a  claw,  and  he  has 
a  cloven  hoof.) 


The  SouFs  Awakening        293 

Benedictus: 
Who  art  thou,  who  dost  take  a  shadowed  life, 
From  out  my  chaos,  in  the  soul's  domain? 

Ahriman  {aside): 
He  sees  me,  but  as  yet  he  knows  me  not. 
And  so  he  will  not  cause  me  fearful  pain 
If  I  should  try  to  labour  by  his  side. 

{To  Benedictus.) 
I  can  declare  to  thee  what  Strader  means 
To  tell  thee  further  for  thy  personal  good. 
And  also  for  thy  pupil's  mystic  path. 

Benedictus: 
My  mystic  group  will  always  know  itself 
To  be  in  touch  with  Strader's  soul,  although 
The  life  of  sense  no  longer  forms  a  bridge. 
But  when  a  spirit-messenger  draws  near 
And  manifests  to  us  from  his  own  worlds, 
Then  he  must  needs  first  win  our  confidence. 
This  he  can  only  do  if  he  appears 
Without  disguise  unto  our  spirit-gaze. 

Ahriman: 
Thou  art  but  striving  for  self -consciousness : 
So  stranger  spirit-beings,  who  might  wish 
To  render  thee  a  service,  are  compelled 
To  show  themselves  as  parts  of  thine  own  self, 
If  they  may  only  help  thee  undisguised. 

Benedictus: 
Whoe'er  thou  art  'tis  siu-e  thou  only  canst 
Serve  Good  when  thou  dost  strive  not  for  thyself, 


294         The  Soul's  Awakening 

When  thou  dost  lose  thyself  in  human  thought 
To  rise  newborn  within  the  cosmic  life. 

Ahriman:  {aside) 
Now  is  it  time  for  me  to  haste  away 
From  his  environment,  for  whensoe'er 
His  sight  can  think  me  as  I  really  am, 
He  will  commence  to  fashion  in  his  thought 
Part  of  the  power  which  slowly  killeth  me. 

{Ahriman  disappears.) 

Benedictus: 
Now  only  do  I  see  'tis  Ahriman, 
Who  flees  himself,  but  fashions  out  of  thought 
A  knowledge  of  his  being  in  myself. 
His  aim  is  to  confuse  the  thought  of  man 
Because  therein,  misled  by  error  old, 
He  seeks  the  source  of  all  his  sufferings. 
As  yet  he  knows  not  that  the  only  way 
For  him  to  find  release  in  future  is 
To  find  himself  reflected  in  this  thought. 
And  so  he  shows  himself  to  men  indeed, 
But  not  as  he  doth  feel  he  is  in  truth . 
Himself  revealing,  and  concealing  too, 
He  sought  to  utilize  in  his  own  way 
A  favourable  hour  in  Strader's  case. 
Through  him  he  hoped  to  strike  his  friends  as  well; 
But  he  will  not  be  able  to  conceal 
His  nature  from  my  mystic  pupils  now. 
He  shall  be  present  in  their  waking  thought 
If  he  holds  sway  within  their  inner  sight. 
So  shall  they  learn  to  know  his  many  forms, 
Which  would  disguise  him  whensoe'er  he  must 


The  Soul's  Awakening         295 

Reveal  himself  unto  the  souls  of  men. 
But  thou,  sun-ripened  soul  of  Strader,  thou 
Who  by  the  strengthening  of  thy  spirit-powers 
Didst  drive  the  Lord  of  Error  into  flight 
Thou  shalt,  as  spirit-star,  shine  on  thy  friends. 
Thy  light  shall  henceforth  ever  penetrate 
Into  Maria's  and  Johannes'  selves; 
Through  thee  will  they  be  able  to  equip 
Themselves  more  strongly  for  their  spirit-work. 
That  so  they  may  with  powerful  thought  reveal 
Themselves  as  proof  of  soul-enlightenment, 
E'en  at  such  times  as  dusky  Ahriman, 
By  clouding  wisdom,  seeks  to  spread  the  night 
Of  Chaos  o'er  full-wakened  spirit-sight. 

Curtain 


A  Road  to  Self^Knowledge 

The  Threshold  of  the 
Spiritual  World 

The  Portal  of  Initiation 

By  Rudolph  Steiner 

These  volumes  contain  the  meditations  and 
occult  exercises  so  long  desired  by  the  readers 
of  occult  literature.  The  author  prefers  the 
name  Spiritual  Science  to  Occult  Science  and 
opens  a  road  of  occultism  to  all  people  so  that 
it  is  no  longer  hidden  or  occult,  provided  the 
spiritual  world  is  approached  with  some  prepara- 
tion. Dr.  Steiner  holds  no  dogma,  and  has  no 
interest  in  keeping  a  personal  control  over  the 
student,  as  do  so  many  so-called  occultists.  He 
is  anxious  for  everyone  to  work  free  and  inde- 
pendently with  the  same  facilities  and  oppor- 
tunities as  he  himself  has,  and  he  now  gives 
the  world  sane  and  healthy  exercises  which  with 
patience  and  perseverance  can  bring  about  the 
results  so  long  desired. 

G.  P.  Putnam's  Sons 

New  York  London 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

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